"One Must Be As Humble As Possible"... Democratic Party Senior Advisors' Request to Lee Jae-myung

Emphasis on Mindful Words and Actions, Addressing People's Livelihoods
Democratic Party Establishes Special Committee on Poll Verification

Senior members of the Democratic Party of Korea urged leader Lee Jae-myung on the 20th to "be as humble as possible toward the people."

Cho Seung-rae, the party's chief spokesperson, informed the press after a high-level strategy meeting at the National Assembly that day about a luncheon between Leader Lee and the standing advisory group, and conveyed the content of their conversation. This gathering was reportedly arranged as a courtesy ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Standing advisors including former National Assembly Speakers Kim Won-ki, Im Chae-jung, Moon Hee-sang, Park Byeong-seok, former leader Lee Hae-chan, lawmaker Jeong Dong-young, former lawmaker Lee Yong-deuk, and lawmaker Chu Mi-ae reportedly emphasized the importance of a humble attitude. According to Chief Spokesperson Cho, the advisors said, "While the Democratic Party has done well, ultimately it is the people who have successfully led the political situation," and added, "Lawmakers should be mindful of their words and actions and must never appear as occupying or reforming forces."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is having a luncheon meeting with the standing advisory group on the 20th. Photo by Democratic Party of Korea

They also urged, "Do not take public opinion polls lightly and accept them humbly." Conveying the advisors' remarks, Chief Spokesperson Cho said, "I believe their advice is correct," and added, "We will make more efforts, focus on people's livelihoods, and work harder to overcome the difficulties and crises facing the Republic of Korea."

Additionally, the standing advisors called for unity centered around Leader Lee and urged the party to fully commit to addressing people's livelihoods as an alternative force. They said, "Livelihoods are difficult, and after going through internal strife, please carefully tend to the wounds in the hearts of the people." They also reportedly mentioned the need for the Constitutional Court's swift impeachment review and enhanced security for Leader Lee and other key figures.

The Democratic Party decided to form a special committee regarding public opinion polls. The "Special Committee on Poll Verification and System Improvement" will be chaired by three-term lawmaker Wi Seong-gon, with lawmakers Lee Yeon-hee, Kim Young-hwan, Lee Kang-il, and Hwang Jeong-ah serving as members. Chief Spokesperson Cho stated, "The committee will verify whether there has been distortion or manipulation of public opinion polls," and added, "If any results are suspected or deemed problematic, they will be referred to the Central Election Management Commission's Poll Deliberation Committee for investigation."

Regarding system improvements, he said, "There are various improvement measures concerning response rate criteria, pre-notification system review standards, and costs related to extracting virtual numbers, among others. These aspects will be well organized and presented."