Lee Jae Myung on 'Rightward Shift' Controversy: "The Democratic Party Can Be Either Progressive or Conservative"

Lee Jae Myung, a candidate in the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential primary, stated on the 18th, "Politics is about reality," adding, "The Democratic Party can be either progressive or conservative."

Lee Jae Myung, a presidential primary candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is preparing for the first TV debate at MBC in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News

During MBC's 100-Minute Debate later that day, Lee said, "Recently, there has been much talk about a rightward shift," and explained, "At this moment, growth and development, which are often described as conservative values, are important."

Lee emphasized, "The current economic situation is difficult, and I believe the Democratic Party now needs to take some responsibility for the conservative sphere as well."