Lee Jae-myung: "Current Public Official Election Act Lowers Political Trust... Revision Inevitable"

Lee's Written Congratulatory Address at the Joint Ruling and Opposition Party National Assembly Forum

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that the current Public Official Election Act has dysfunctional aspects and therefore needs to be revised.

On the 20th, in a written congratulatory message at the "Public Official Election Act Revision Forum for the Freedom of Election Campaigning" held at the National Assembly, Lee said, "Elections are the flower of democracy," and added, "However, the current Public Official Election Act excessively restricts election campaigning." He continued, "While there is a positive function in preventing the overheating of election campaigns, excessive regulation and the inconsistent application of the law, known as 'Ihyeonryeong Bihyeonryeong,' also have a dysfunctional effect that lowers trust in politics." The term 'Ihyeonryeong Bihyeonryeong' means "earrings when hung on the ear, nose rings when hung on the nose," expressing concern about the overly broad application of legal provisions.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending a meeting with individual investors to revitalize the domestic stock market at a cafe in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 20th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Lee also added that revision is inevitable because the current Public Official Election Act limits the entry of political newcomers. He said, "As democracy develops and the consciousness of our people and social frameworks are established, it is essential to strengthen transparency and prevent illegal activities through revision." He further stated, "The Constitutional Court has ruled that political expression and election campaigning should be based on 'freedom as the principle, prohibition as the exception,'" and expressed hope that "constructive alternatives will be created at this forum."

The forum was co-hosted by Democratic Party lawmaker Chae Hyun-il and People Power Party lawmaker Kim Sang-wook. They viewed the current Public Official Election Act as excessively regulating the forms and frequency of election campaigning and believed that such regulations should be eased.