"Last Cry for Economic Freedom…Entering the Tiger's Den"

Lee Byung-tae, an honorary professor at KAIST who played the role of economic strategist for former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo during the People Power Party’s primary election, is officially joining the camp of Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party.

As a representative economist of the conservative bloc and former head of the policy headquarters for Hong Joon-pyo's campaign, his move to the progressive camp’s presidential strategy team is causing significant ripples both inside and outside the political arena.

On the 12th, Professor Lee announced on Facebook, "I am joining Lee Jae-myung's camp," stating, "I wish to convey the perspectives of mainstream economics to the candidate." He added, "I am also prepared for the possibility of failure and being discarded," and expressed his determination to step back and live the life of a forgotten retiree if his beliefs are not accepted.

"Different from the Moon Jae-in Administration…In the Midst of Thoughts on Integration and Principles"

Regarding the background of his joining Lee Jae-myung’s camp, Professor Lee mentioned, "Perhaps they saw me as a free agent, and both Candidate Lee Jae-myung and former Representative Lee Jun-seok actively sought my assistance." He explained that there were continuous persuasive discussions about how the Lee Jae-myung camp is serious about operating based on integration and traditional economic principles, unlike the Moon Jae-in administration.

He further remarked, "Among those who care for me, there were many who advised me to 'go to the tiger's den and block the second term of Moon Jae-in.'" He characterized his participation in this camp as "the last cry for economic freedom," vowing to fulfill his mission even if he were to be "left in a state of injury."

"Unacceptable to Kim Moon-soo…Apologies to Lee Jun-seok"

Professor Lee expressed strong regret regarding Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party. He stated, "The biggest reason I cannot support Kim is the conspiracy theory regarding election fraud," clarifying that he cannot accept a leader who embodies anti-intellectualism. He also evaluated that "the primary process was not a fair game, making it difficult to accept his legitimacy, and his labor-movement-based economic views do not align with mine."

Nevertheless, he expressed relief that "the 10 key policies announced today by the People Power Party somewhat align with free market values," hoping that Kim would truly understand the real meaning of those pledges.

Regarding Lee Jun-seok, the Reform Party candidate, he expressed, "I am very sorry," adding, "I believe that the dream of rebuilding a healthy Korea through generational change will surely be realized in the near future."

Image source: Facebook 'Lee Byung-tae', Lee Jae-myung candidate / News1, Kim Moon-soo candidate / News1