Jung Kyujai: "Lee Jaemyung's Speech Without 'Overthrow' or Yoon, Language Has Greatly Improved"

Lee Jaemyung Confirmed as Democratic Party Presidential Candidate on the 27th
"President's Responsibility Is National Unity"... 'Unity' Emphasized 14 Times
Jung Kyujai: "Leftist Abstract Language Disappearing, A Welcome Change"

Jung Kyujai, former chief editor of the Korea Economic Daily, drew attention to the acceptance speech of Lee Jaemyung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was nominated as the party's presidential candidate on the 27th. He remarked, "There are a few words missing from his speech. There is no mention of 'overthrow!'" As a prominent conservative commentator, Jung wrote on his social media account that day, "Lee's language has improved significantly."

Last month, Lee Jaemyung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Jung Kyujai, former chief editor of the Korea Economic Daily, appeared in a dialogue on Channel A's YouTube channel 'Political Signal.' YouTube

Jung pointed out, "Although the word 'coup d'etat' appears in Lee's speech, the name 'Yoon Sukyeol' is never mentioned. He referred to himself as 'someone who has become a loser,' but did not say a single word about the person who indicted him five times." He continued, "Lee was a victim of prosecutorial dictatorship. If you watch the People Power Party's primary debate, all four candidates repeatedly and disparagingly use phrases like 'criminal Lee Jaemyung' and 'Lee Jaemyung, with four prior convictions.' They repeat the name 'Lee Jaemyung' as if it were some kind of incantation, as if no other justification for running for office exists unless it is 'criminal Lee Jaemyung.' This raises the question of whether they are so afraid of Lee Jaemyung."

Jung further commented, "In Lee Jaemyung's presidential candidate acceptance speech, names like Roh Moo-hyun were mentioned a couple of times, but he completely refrained from speaking about his political opponents. There was no language of hatred or hostility. The term 'People Power Party' was also absent." He added, "He appealed for everyone to work together to build a good and happy society. At that moment, he became emotional." Jung went on to say, "He stated that the country's situation is urgent, leaving no time to dwell on ideology, thought, or camps, and declared, 'Now let's unite and move forward.' The word 'unity' seemed to be emphasized more than ten times."

He assessed, "It appears that the results of Lee's attempts to shift to the right are now reflected in today's speech. There are still some words characteristic of the left remaining. However, there has been a significant increase in right-leaning or centrist and neutral language, and now he is able to construct sentences sufficiently using only such words."

He continued, "It's fortunate. I note that many abstract terms have disappeared from Lee Jaemyung's speech today. Isn't it often said that using many verbs is characteristic of the right, while using many nouns, especially abstract ones, is characteristic of the left?" He also praised, "Lee Jaemyung's language has become much more concrete in its thinking. Progress, at any point, is something to be welcomed."

Democratic Party presidential primary candidate Lee Jaemyung is delivering his acceptance speech at the 21st presidential election candidate selection event held at KINTEX in Goyang City on the afternoon of the 27th. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Lee Jaemyung, who was confirmed as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, declared in his acceptance speech at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, "The people have commanded us to end the old era of rebellion and regression through an overwhelming change of government, and to open a new era of national sovereignty and hope." He shouted, "I will repay you by creating a completely new country, a true Republic of Korea." He also mentioned the names of former Democratic Party presidents Kim Daejung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in, emphasizing, "I will ensure that Lee Jaemyung, as the 'fourth Democratic government,' will be clearly inscribed as a pillar of your wise choices, and I will win without fail."

The most frequently used word in his acceptance speech was 'unity,' which appeared a total of 14 times. Lee stated, "From this moment on, Lee Jaemyung is the candidate for all people who long for the end of rebellion, overcoming crises, unity, and national happiness. I will fulfill the responsibility for national unity, which is the mission of politics and the number one duty of the president, with the utmost humility."