Lee Jae-myung. Photo by the Democratic Party.

Lee Jae-myung Receives Support Amidst Legal Controversies; Party Factions Clash Over Leadership

By BK Park, Los Angeles Branch Editor 

Seoul, Korea — On the eve of a crucial legal hearing scheduled for the 26th at 10 a.m., it has come to light that Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, showed agreement with remarks made by former Chairman Rhyu Si-min of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, who had urged relentless resistance against adversaries, even suggesting the feasibility of campaigning and approving decisions from prison.

In a broadcast commemorating the first anniversary of the Roh Moo-hyun Citizens Center on the 22nd, Chairman Rhyu Si-min remarked, "This is essentially a basic struggle against the ruling party. If we falter in this battle, our position collapses." He further emphasized the need to be prepared for potential incarceration by noting the necessity of campaigning and making decisions even from within prison walls.

This statement, uploaded on the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation's official YouTube channel, was subsequently excerpted by an Instagram user with added captions. Lee Jae-myung's official Instagram account was seen 'liking' this post.

Rhyu further rallied support on the YouTube broadcast, saying, "There's no reason for us to be afraid. Even if, by any slim chance, an arrest warrant is issued and Lee is detained, he must apply for bail and continue the fight." Lee, currently facing legal scrutiny for alleged real estate development favors and suspected unauthorized transactions with North Korea, is likely to fervently contest any claims of impropriety, as the upcoming court decision could have significant political implications.

As Lee's potential detention looms, internal party clashes between his loyalists (often termed 'pro-Lee') and detractors intensify. Key 'pro-Lee' figure Jung Chung-Rai, stressed, "Under no circumstances will Lee resign. He will devote all efforts to secure victories in the upcoming district chief and general elections." Another supporter, lawmaker Jeong Seong-ho, who has served as a member of the National Assembly for the 17th, 19th, 20th, and 21st terms., while on MBC Radio, answered a question about Lee exercising power from prison, "That might be necessary for a while."

On the other hand, the faction opposing Lee Jae-myung, including notable detractor Lee Sang-min, has called for the resignation of the current party leadership. Lee Sang-min, serving his fifth consecutive term (from the 17th to the 21st) as a member of the National Assembly, emphasized, "If Lee ends up in prison, continuing his role from there would be absurd. This isn't akin to being jailed for revolutionary activities."

Journalist Byun Hee-jae, who authored a controversial book asserting manipulation by specific figures (Yoon Suk Yeol and Han Dong Hoon), argued for Lee's retention of party leadership given perceived efforts to undermine him from both sides of the political spectrum.

Lee Joon-seok, a moderate conservative and former leader of the main opposition People Power Party, denounced the possibility of Lee Jae-myung continuing leadership duties from prison on MBC Radio, stressing the need for the Democratic Party to take immediate action of regrouping if an arrest warrant is issued.

However, an anonymous lawmaker from the People Power Party conveyed a different perspective to the Hankyoreh Newspaper, suggesting that any continued internal conflict within the Democratic Party over Lee's leadership, especially after a potential arrest, could be advantageous for the opposition.

The political future of Lee Jae-myung and its implications for the broader South Korean political landscape remains a heated and contentious issue.