Lee Jae-myung, Debates on Comprehensive Real Estate Tax... "Politicians Are Those Who Coordinate Various Positions"

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, said on the 15th that "politics is about adjusting various positions" in relation to his suggestion to reconsider the comprehensive real estate tax and to postpone the application of the financial investment income tax.

Lee made these remarks after meeting with reporters following the Democratic Party's representative and Supreme Council candidates' pledge ceremony for fair elections held at the National Assembly that day. Lee said, "There can be various positions," but added, "What we must do is respect the will of the people and reach a reasonable conclusion."

Earlier, at a press conference on the 10th announcing his candidacy for party leader, Lee hinted at postponing the introduction of the financial investment income tax and stated that it was "time to fundamentally review the comprehensive real estate tax," sparking controversy within the party. When asked further about criticisms that this could "shake the foundation of the party," he avoided giving a specific answer.

Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is declaring his candidacy for party leader at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 10th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

In response, Kim Du-kwan, a candidate for party leader, rebutted in a statement, saying, "We must not shake the foundation of the Democratic Party, which represents the working class and middle class." Cho Guk, the candidate for party leader of the Innovation Party, also opposed Lee's remarks, stating, "If the comprehensive real estate tax is reduced or abolished, the region will be completely ruined."

Lee Hae-sik, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, said, "The timing for party-level discussions on tax reform has not yet been decided." Meanwhile, on the same day, the Democratic Party gathered three party leader candidates including Lee and Kim, as well as eight Supreme Council candidates who passed the preliminary election the day before, to take a pledge for fair elections.