Lee: "Someone Responsible for Election Management Now Running as a Candidate"
"Overcoming the Rebellion Is the Immediate Task... The People Will Decide"
Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on former Prime Minister Han Deoksoo's declaration to run for president, stating, "Our people are preparing to hold accountable those forces that have destroyed democracy and the Constitution," and emphasized, "He should reflect on whether his actions are appropriate."
On the afternoon of May 2, near the Wontong Terminal in Inje, Gangwon Province, Lee met with reporters. When asked about his thoughts on former Prime Minister Han's presidential bid following his resignation, Lee said, "Those who staged a loyalist coup have destroyed the constitutional order and are pursuing private interests," conveying his position in this way.
He added, "Although the main perpetrator of the rebellion is currently on trial, those who were involved in the coup have not revealed themselves," and stressed, "Restoring democracy, returning to a normal society that proves the people are the true owners of the country, in other words, overcoming the rebellion, is the urgent task at hand."
Lee also addressed former Prime Minister Han directly, saying, "Someone who was responsible for overcoming the rebellion, managing the state during an emergency, and overseeing elections suddenly deciding to become a candidate should consider how this will be perceived by the public," and emphasized, "Ultimately, the people will make the judgment."
Regarding claims within the party that the Supreme Court's decision to remand his violation of the Public Official Election Act was orchestrated by a so-called 'rebellion cartel,' Lee responded, "As the defendant, it is not my place to comment on whether the trial proceeded properly," and added, "The public possesses common sense, so I trust they will make a sound judgment."
On his future plans for judicial reform, Lee stated, "As someone on the front lines, it is not my place to comment," and drew a line by saying, "The party's election committee and parliamentary group will respond appropriately."
Regarding criticism of Lee Inki, a former Hannara Party lawmaker who was recruited as a co-chair of the election committee, for likening the Yongsan tragedy to a suicide bombing, Lee responded, "It would be ideal if people were perfect, but everyone has their shortcomings," and added, "I am also far from perfect."
He continued, "Not only former lawmaker Lee, but others as well cannot be said to be free from political criticism," but emphasized, "However, the greatest task facing the nation right now is national unity." He further explained, "Even if there are shortcomings within the election committee or elsewhere, the immediate challenge is national unity, and I ask for your understanding that this is a critical moment for us to unite our strength and move forward as a global leader."
Meanwhile, Lee continued his two-day 'border belt' listening tour, visiting Pocheon and Yeoncheon in Gyeonggi Province, as well as Cheorwon, Hwacheon, Inje, and Goseong in Gangwon Province. On May 3, he will visit the East Coast Belt (Sokcho, Yangyang, Gangneung, Donghae, Samcheok, and Taebaek in Gangwon Province), and on May 4, he will tour the Danyang Palgyeong Belt (Yeongju and Yecheon in North Gyeongsang Province, Danyang and Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province, and Yeongwol in Gangwon Province).
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