[Political Spotlight] 'The Transformation of Lee Jae-myung Breaking Taboos', Where Is He Heading Now?

Lee Jae-myung Draws Attention for Flexible Stance on 52-Hour Workweek
Breaking Taboos Day After Day
Pragmatic Approach Evident Even Before Martial Law

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who has emphasized a pragmatic approach, is breaking taboos within the progressive camp day after day. Having established himself as a progressive politician by prominently advocating for basic income, Lee is gaining attention by taking flexible stances on issues such as the abolition of the financial investment income tax and the 52-hour workweek.

Within the Democratic Party, opinions on Lee’s centrist and pragmatic line are divided between positive and negative evaluations. While some interpret it as a winning formula for the presidential election, there are cautious criticisms that it might distance the party from its long-standing policy orientations. At a forum held at the National Assembly on the 3rd titled ‘How to Exclude Semiconductor Special Act and Labor Time Act Application,’ Lee showed a positive attitude toward the business sector’s proposal to exempt high-salary earners in semiconductor industry R&D from the 52-hour workweek, saying, "There is a certain rationality. If (working hour exceptions) are to be made, I think it should be temporary."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is presiding over the party's third policy debate titled "A Happy and Just Republic of Korea, How to Exclude the Semiconductor Special Act from the Application of the Labor Hours Act," held at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Earlier, on the 1st, Lee stated in an interview with The Economist, "Considering the current geopolitical realities, I do not oppose deepening relations with Japan and continuing trilateral cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan." In addition, although he added caveats, he directly mentioned withdrawing the livelihood support payments that he had consistently advocated for through supplementary budgets.

Inside and outside the political sphere, Lee’s centrist and pragmatic approach is seen as a move conscious of an early presidential election. It is interpreted that Lee, who faces a strong anti-camp as an obstacle, is attempting to expand his base. Democratic Party lawmaker Park Beom-gye said on SBS Radio, "Amid internal turmoil and external trade wars, Lee has set a good direction for the pragmatic approach Korea should take." Of course, there are opposing voices as well. A Democratic Party lawmaker with a labor background said, "It is also necessary to maintain the values that the Democratic Party has upheld so far."

Lee’s shift in approach began even before the imposition of martial law. A Democratic Party official explained, "Even before last year’s party convention, prior to martial law, Lee had been pursuing livelihood agendas such as pension reform and the abolition of the financial investment income tax, following a pragmatic line." This indicates that the party’s direction has been set in accordance with the economic situation and the realities Korea faces.

Where will Lee’s future course head? A key aide to Lee said, "The mega issues have all been presented now," adding, "Currently, growth is the important phase, and the remaining issue will be the methodology of how to distribute the surplus gained through growth."