Lee Jae-myung "Grateful to Serve Effectively as Party Leader for 3 Years" (Update)

At the Democratic Party Supreme Council on the 9th, Lee Announces Resignation
"I Will Begin a New Chapter"... Emphasizes Livelihoods and End to Insurrection
Park Chan-dae, Floor Leader, to Serve as Acting Party Leader

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am thankful for being able to serve effectively as party leader for three years." Lee plans to officially enter the early presidential race following his resignation.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is embracing Park Chan-dae, the floor leader who will serve as acting leader, after announcing his intention to resign at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on April 9, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

At the Democratic Party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on the 9th, Lee said, "I will now begin a new chapter," adding, "I believe that the difficulties we are facing can be overcome quickly by the people demonstrating the DNA of overcoming adversity as they have in the past, and I will stand with them." After Lee announced his intention to resign, the adjournment declaration was made by Park Chan-dae, the floor leader acting as party leader.

Lee hinted that he would actively focus on addressing people's livelihoods in the early presidential election. He stated, "From a public official's perspective, what may seem like minor complaints or small matters are often life-or-death issues for the individuals involved," and added, "When broken down, what may appear trivial can be so serious that people are willing to risk their lives over it." He emphasized, "The Republic of Korea community is made up of each and every citizen," and "Their lives and human rights carry the weight of the universe, so even small matters are precious and important."

He also attributed the responsibility for the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-youl to the people. Lee said, "Although we faced a crisis last year due to the emergency martial law situation, thanks to the great power of the people, we are returning to a democratic republic where the people are the owners," and added, "This is all thanks to the dedication and sacrifice of the people." Regarding the party, he praised, "Although there has been a lot of work, the party has performed its role excellently," and said, "It seems that the party members are becoming a true Democratic Party centered on the party."

Reflecting on his three years in office, Lee shared, "Looking back, it feels like an incredibly long time and yet also like a moment," and expressed optimism about the future, saying, "There is no guarantee that things will improve immediately tomorrow, but the great people have always overcome adversity through their own strength."

He did not forget to criticize the Yoon administration, saying, "After the president declared emergency martial law and was impeached, the North Korean leaflets and water balloons disappeared," and added, "During the Gwangju May 18 Democratic Uprising, after the military and police withdrew, a perfect community without theft or violence lasted for ten days, and I believe that is the power of the people."

Meanwhile, just before declaring the adjournment, Floor Leader Park said, "I have been with the leader since August 18, 2022, and today marks the 234th day," adding, "I believe it was a period of crying with the people and protecting democracy together with the people alongside Leader Lee." He continued, "As he steps down from the leadership and embarks on a new path, I want to say that the people and we will go together with him," and expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your hard work."