Lee and Moon "Unprepared President's Rule Causes National Chaos, Citizens Worried" Speak in Unison
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with former President Moon Jae-in on the 8th at Pyeongsan Village in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, and said, "The current government's behavior toward Mrs. Kim Jung-sook and the presidential family is political oppression that is incomprehensible both politically and legally."
Lee said that the prosecution's investigation into former President Moon's family is "a means to rally a handful of support," according to Chief Spokesperson Cho Seung-rae, who was present.
In response, former President Moon reportedly said, "I will face the prosecution investigation confidently and strongly," adding, "Basically, it is something that my family and I must endure, but I am grateful to the party."
Recently, the Democratic Party, under Lee's directive, established the 'Former Regime Political Oppression Countermeasures Committee' to respond to the prosecution's investigation into former President Moon and his daughter Dahye, appointing Kim Young-jin, a three-term pro-Lee lawmaker, as chairman.
Lee and former President Moon also exchanged views that "the prosecution reform initiated by the previous administration has not been completed," and they shared concerns that "prosecutorial power has become a weapon and a tool for political retaliation," according to Chief Spokesperson Cho.
Cho also stated, "Former President Moon and Lee agreed that 'an unprepared president has taken power, plunging the country into chaos and increasing public anxiety.'"
The meeting, which lasted 50 minutes from 2 p.m., reportedly included discussions related to the Democratic Party's return to power.
Former President Moon expressed, "I hope the Democratic Party, led by a stronger and more disciplined leadership than ever, actively works toward regaining power," and urged, "Please show proactive efforts not only in livelihood and politics but also in security and defense issues." He added, "The Democratic Party received 45% of the vote in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam during the last general election, and I hope efforts are made to broaden the support base for regaining power."
When asked by reporters if there was any discussion about party unity, Chief Spokesperson Cho replied, "Former President Moon and Lee agreed that the party should not be shaken or divided by fake news and other factors."
Lee's visit to Pyeongsan Village came about seven months after his New Year's greeting visit in February. The two briefly conversed ahead of the 15th anniversary memorial service for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, held in May at Bongha Village, Gimhae, Gyeongnam.
Before visiting Yangsan that day, Lee paid respects at former President Roh's grave in Bongha Village and visited Mrs. Kwon Yang-sook. Mrs. Kwon expressed concern about the ongoing situation and hoped the party would respond well, to which Lee reportedly replied, "The party will take the lead and handle it well." She then presented Lee with a fan inscribed with former President Roh's sayings.
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