Lee Nak-yon Declares Not to Run for President

Lee Nak-yon, the Standing Advisor of the New Future Democratic Party, has officially declared that he will not run in the upcoming presidential election.

On the 10th, Lee announced through a statement, "After much contemplation, I have decided not to run in this presidential election. I will not assist anyone else in their election campaigns either."

Lee pointed to the extreme political confrontation currently present in the political arena as the reason for his decision not to run. He explained, "In this chaotic era where the two major parties are engaging in extreme politics, I realized that there is not much I can achieve through running in an election."

Furthermore, he expressed his strong concern that the rule of law is collapsing in the current political situation.

He stated, "We see the daily collapse of the rule of law. The judiciary and the separation of powers are being dismantled. The monstrous state is already beginning to reveal itself," strongly criticizing the current political situation.

Lee also pointed out the Democratic Party's pressure on the judiciary following the Supreme Court's decision regarding presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung's conviction and the push for amendments to criminal procedure laws that would halt trials if he were elected. He noted, "Such grotesque movements are actually occurring within the large party, the Democratic Party."

Regarding the People Power Party, he stated, "I do not wish to say anything about the People Power Party, which still has not regained its senses," expressing disappointment towards both parties.

Although he will not run for president, Lee proclaimed, "Just as I have done until now, I will continue to warn about the crisis in the Republic of Korea and propose alternatives such as constitutional amendments. Even if it is lonely, I will shout for justice for the nation until the day I die."

Image source: Lee Nak-yon, Standing Advisor of the New Future Democratic Party / News1