Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the process of changing the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, saying, "The candidate we elected legitimately was overturned in the early morning for unjust reasons."
The candidate met with reporters after finishing a tea chat with teacher Kim Jang-ha at a tea house in Jinju, Gyeongnam, on the afternoon of the 10th and said, "Looking at that family, I keep smiling," and asked, "It's not a party. What's that kind of party?"
He added, "In a democratic society, a political party is the most important institution that supports democracy. However, if the party is not democratic, the country's democracy cannot properly function," and pointed out, "The People Power Party performed an internal coup in the early morning, which is also a kind of personal coup."
The candidate also stated, "They practically overturned the legitimately elected presidential candidate for a specific person who dominates the party. It's a personal coup," and added, "They supported a candidate for rebellion. How can a rebellion candidate take responsibility for a democratic republic? All I can do is smile."
This was a criticism of the People Power Party's decision to forcefully change the candidate after holding an emergency committee meeting and an election management committee early in the morning. The People Power Party plans to nominate Han Duck-soo as the final candidate instead of the previously elected Kim Moon-soo.
The candidate also revealed that he recently had a conversation with former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo. On that day, while visiting Changnyeong in Gyeongnam, he said of the former mayor, "In politics, even if the positions are different, we should not hate each other," and called him "a person who is committed to fundamental political principles."
In response to the question, "Are you thinking of forming a cabinet with former Mayor Hong?" he replied, "We didn't discuss such specific topics," but noted, "We both shared concerns about the serious erosion of democracy."
He continued, "Without distinguishing between left and right, if we unite and work for the country and the nation, we will achieve results and become a successful president with high approval ratings," and emphasized, "Wouldn't it be good if excellent people like former Mayor Hong join us? I will try hard."