Lee Nak-yon Announces Candidacy for the Presidential Election to "Rebuild the Real Democratic Party"

Lee Nak-yon, the Standing Advisor of the New Future Democratic Party, has officially declared his candidacy for the presidential election. This has drawn attention to the possibility of unifying with Acting President Han Duck-soo, amid speculation of an imminent candidacy announcement.

On the 28th, Lee stated through multiple media outlets, "The party has begun practical preparations to register candidates for the presidential election, with a deadline of the 11th of next month."

Lee clarified his position regarding a media report that suggested he would assist Acting President Han if he ran, stating, "I would not help without asking or inquiring."

He stressed the need to evaluate each other's thoughts on the three tasks of crisis management, political reform, and social integration.

It has been reported that Lee has not yet had direct discussions or contact with Han, and the timing of any future meetings remains undecided.

On that day, Jeon Byung-hun, the leader of the New Future Democratic Party, announced during the Supreme Council meeting that the party's structure would shift to a campaign committee system.

Jeon continued, "We will work together with former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon to rebuild the real Democratic Party beyond the fake Democratic Party and achieve political reform for national unity."

He also declared, "We will diligently and thoroughly prepare for the candidate registration of former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, who possesses dignity, a vision for the future, and crisis management skills and experience, together with the public and party members."

Earlier, on the 25th, Lee had posted on his Facebook, stating, "South Korea is currently in a political crisis. Political failure is the root of the national crisis," emphasizing that "we must stop the progression of this national crisis here."

Image source: Lee Nak-yon, Standing Advisor of the New Future Democratic Party / News1, Han Duck-soo, Acting President / News1, Lee Nak-yon and Jeon Byung-hun during a rally calling for constitutional amendments at the War Memorial Hall in Yongsan-gu on the 17th / News1