Lee Says, "They Talk About 'Bimyeong Hoengsa' Nominations... Is It a Crime to Have Changed So Much?"

Lee: "Didn't I Make the Democratic Party More Democratic?"

Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, referred to the so-called "Bimyeong Hoengsa" nominations during last year's general election at a campaign event, saying, "Is it a crime to have changed so much?"

Yonhap News Agency

At a campaign rally in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, on the 30th, Lee stated, "There are people who are afraid of Lee Jaemyung, people who think I will become a dictator, but have I ever acted as a dictator?" He continued, "They call it 'Bimyeong Hoengsa,' but it was the party members who eliminated candidates in the primaries, not me placing anyone in the nominations."

Previously, in last year's general election, there was controversy over the so-called "Bimyeong Hoengsa" nominations after a large number of incumbent lawmakers from the non-Lee Jaemyung faction failed to secure nominations. By addressing this issue directly, Lee sought to confront the controversy head-on.

Lee said, "People keep saying I am scary, but I am not a frightening person. Some say, 'I don't know why, but he seems like he would become a dictator,' but when asked for specifics, they just say, 'It just feels that way.'" While explaining his background, including his elementary and middle school years and his entry into politics, Lee mentioned the party and asked, "Didn't I make the Democratic Party more democratic?"

He continued, "That is what people expect from Lee Jaemyung. While serving as mayor, I never abused my power, I never took even a single 10-won coin, and I don't even know the faces of those involved," emphasizing his integrity. He added, "It is because I exercised the power entrusted to me by the people that I achieved results and received recognition in my past career. Now, it is time to return privileges that have been unfairly held to all citizens equally. Those who say they are afraid simply do not want to lose those privileges."

Lee said, "If someone says they are afraid of Lee Jaemyung, ask them, 'Did you do something wrong?' 'Do you have privileges to lose?' 'We have nothing to lose and will share everything fairly, so we are not afraid.' The overwhelming majority of people will be happier, feel less wronged, and overall, a more rational and continuously developing society will emerge."

He went on to say, "We must clearly prove to those with vested interests that voting is stronger than bullets," encouraging people to vote. Lee added, "We must create a country where the will of the people is most respected according to the wishes of the people. No matter what anyone says, let us not be swayed and prove with our own hands, through voting, that we are the true owners of this country as we move toward a genuine Republic of Korea."