Lee Jae-myung on 'Moderate Conservative' Controversy: "The World Isn't Black and White... There's Also Gray"

Democratic Party Supreme Council Meeting on the 21st
"We Cannot Govern the Nation with Only Progressivism or Conservatism"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized regarding the controversial 'centrist conservative party' debate that "the world is not just black and white; there is also gray."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 19th. 2025.2.19 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

At the Democratic Party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on the 21st, Lee stated, "How can a party responsible for managing the country's affairs operate solely as progressive or solely as conservative?"

Lee explained, "For example, conservative figures can implement conservative policies in areas like security and the economy, while progressive figures can execute progressive policies in social and cultural domains," and questioned, "Why must we choose only one of the two?"

Regarding the party's policy direction, he said, "We base ourselves on progressive policies while also implementing conservative policies." Lee added, "Our party has a wide spectrum ranging from progressive to conservative. Depending on the situation, the conservative aspect may be emphasized, or the progressive aspect may be highlighted."

He further explained the 'centrist conservative' approach by saying, "When growth itself is in the negative to the point that discussing distribution and fairness becomes difficult, surviving is necessary for a happy life, isn't it? Growth is truly important at this time, and recovery is an urgent task."

He did not forget to criticize the People Power Party, which claims to be a conservative party. Lee likened the ruling party to a contradictory term, 'Tteua (Hot Iced Americano),' stating, "While claiming to be a party that must uphold values, they condone crimes and defend the destruction of constitutional values."

He added, "Don't make a fuss fearing that the Democratic Party being called conservative will take away your conservative position. I hope you change your thinking, change your attitude, change your policies, and change your people."

Meanwhile, regarding the national policy consultation held the previous day, Lee said, "Although late, the outcome of the discussion is that we will actively pursue the supplementary budget (Chugyeong)." He added, "The timing, scale, and details will be decided through working-level consultations, and I hope the supplementary budget bill will be finalized soon."