Democrats Enter 'Presidential Election Mode,' Efforts to Secure Supporters
Representative Office: "Will Seek Advice on Overall Issues"
Some Say "Not a Fresh Meeting... Linked to First Trial"
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is set to meet Yoon Yeo-jun, former Minister of Environment and a 'centrist-conservative' figure. This move is interpreted as an 'expansion of outreach' to secure support from the centrist demographic, as well as a measure to overcome judicial risks ahead of the first trial verdict scheduled for November.
On the 30th, Lee plans to have a private lunch with former Minister Yoon at a Korean restaurant located in Yeouido, Seoul. Yoon, 85, who served as a minister during the Kim Young-sam administration, is regarded as a senior centrist-conservative figure who has been active across parties including the Grand National Party and the People's Party. Around the Chuseok holiday last month, Lee also met with Kim Jong-in, former emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, and Lee Sang-don, honorary professor at Chung-Ang University Law School, to seek advice on national issues.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is greeting attendees at the "Communicate! Refreshing Communication with Party Leader Lee Jae-myung and Reporters" event held on July 13 last year at a restaurant near Haengju Fortress in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Yoon and the other two figures are individuals Lee also met during his 2022 presidential candidacy. By consecutively meeting political veterans encountered during the presidential election, the Democratic Party appears to be entering 'election mode.' Kim Min-seok, a Supreme Council member, has launched the 'Ruling Plan Headquarters' to prepare election pledges and other measures for the next Democratic Party administration. Hwang Jeong-ah, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, explained, "Please understand this meeting (with former Minister Yoon) as part of Lee's outreach efforts."
A representative from Lee Jae-myung’s office described the meeting with former Minister Yoon as "an occasion to hear the senior's insights on overall national affairs." They clarified that the meeting was not focused on any specific topic. The meeting was initiated by Lee's side. Lee Hae-sik, chief secretary to the leader, told our reporter, "The situation is very serious," adding, "The economic situation is poor, and there is also the 'Myeong Taegyun Gate' involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee." He further explained, "We are seeking advice and opinions on general matters."
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (left), and Kim Jong-in, former emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, are shaking hands at a restaurant in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 12th of last month. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Some in political circles analyze that Lee is strengthening his support base ahead of the first trial verdict on the Public Official Election Act case, scheduled for mid-next month. Choi Byung-chun, former deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute, said, "It appears to be a centrist expansion, but these are people he met during the presidential election as well," adding, "It is not a particularly novel meeting." He also noted, "There is also an aspect of consolidating internal unity within the Democratic Party ahead of the first trial verdict."
A representative from Lee’s office said regarding the timing, "There is no significant meaning," and added, "We did not consider other factors and simply arranged the meeting at a mutually convenient time."
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