"Kim Is the Most Suitable Candidate to Prevent the Emergence of a Monster Dictatorship"
Lee Nakyon, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea and now Senior Advisor to the New Future Democratic Party, announced on May 27 his support for Kim Moonsu, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, in the 21st presidential election. He stated his intention to cooperate with Kim in forming a joint government and pursuing constitutional amendments.
At a press conference held at the New Future Democratic Party's central headquarters in Hanyang Building, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Lee said, "Kim and I have reached a fundamental agreement to cooperate in our own ways to prevent the emergence of a monster dictatorship and to prepare for a new, hopeful Seventh Republic."
Kim and Lee agreed in principle on several points: forming and operating a joint government to promote national unity; cooperating on constitutional amendments to launch the Seventh Republic; resolving the misalignment of presidential and parliamentary terms by holding the 2028 presidential and general elections simultaneously; and implementing a three-year term. Specific discussions will be left to the two parties.
The previous day, Kim and Lee held a private meeting at an undisclosed location in Seoul to discuss election alliance strategies. Earlier, on May 20, Jeon Byunghun, leader of the New Future Democratic Party, met with Kim Yongtae, interim leader of the People Power Party, and the two shared an understanding of the need for an electoral alliance between their parties.
Lee described Kim as the most suitable candidate to prevent the rise of a monster dictatorship. Lee said, "I do have regrets about his occasional extreme views and his relationships with certain religious figures," but added, "I believe his intense and honest life trajectory, as well as his people-friendly and hands-on approach to public service, deserve recognition." He continued, "To prevent the emergence of a monster dictatorship, I have decided to cast my vote for him."
Lee cited concerns about the emergence of a monster dictatorship, as warned by the Democratic Party, as his reason for supporting Kim. He said, "If one person seizes control of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and continues to use unreasonable means until all of his own judicial risks are eliminated, that would be an act of violence that destroys the rule of law and democracy. Furthermore, such dangerous attempts by one individual could be carried out without any checks from other powers."
He added, "The difference between having checks and balances alive, as during martial law, and having them dead under a monster dictatorship is enormous," warning, "This presidential election is critical because the Republic of Korea could fall into a monster dictatorship."
Lee also expressed disappointment with the Democratic Party. He said, "From early on, I stated several times that I would cooperate if the Democratic Party nominated another candidate, and I have loved the Democratic Party more than them," but emphasized, "Nevertheless, it is my conviction that I cannot accompany them down the path toward a monster dictatorship that destroys the rule of law and democracy."
However, Lee drew a line regarding the possibility of joining the People Power Party or a merger between the two parties. He said, "Isn't cooperation based on remaining separate?" and added, "A merger is for my colleagues to decide, but I don't think it will go that far."
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