Lee Jae-myung promises no political retaliation, pledges focus on economy and unity

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the liberal Democratic Party of Korea, speaks during a press briefing on key election issues at the party\'s headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on May 25. / Reporter Park Min-kyu

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the liberal Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), announced plans to establish an "Emergency Economic Response Task Force" directly led by the president if elected, and to revitalize a public recommendation system for key government appointments on May 25. While emphasizing the need to “completely end insurrection and thoroughly punish people involved,” he also said that there would be “no political retaliation targeting specific individuals.” His remarks signal an attempt to appeal to centrist voters and rally his base amid recent declines in poll numbers, by focusing on economic growth and national unity, while also emphasizing the importance of ending the insurgency.

Speaking at a press briefing at DPK headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Lee said, “Global economic instability and shifting security dynamics are further straining livelihoods. If I earn the people’s trust, my first act as president will be to establish an emergency task force to respond to the economic crisis under direct presidential leadership.” He added, “The government must take the initiative in implementing effective stimulus measures. An additional supplementary budget may be needed to alleviate the immediate hardship people are facing.”

“We are considering introducing negative regulation, which stipulates what should not be done and lets others off the hook,” Lee said, adding that “a separate body in charge of regulatory reform is also planned.”

He stressed that judicial and prosecutorial reform would not be a top priority in the early stages of his administration. “Reforming the judiciary and prosecution is important, but we cannot afford to focus all our energy there right now,” he said. “In the beginning, all our efforts must be directed toward restoring the economy and people’s livelihoods.”

Lee also laid out his principles for public appointments. “If it benefits the economy and the people, I will implement policies regardless of ideology or political faction,” he said. “The standards for appointments under a Lee Jae-myung administration will be competence, integrity, and dedication.” He added, however, “That doesn’t mean ignoring diversity. We will still consider balance across gender, region, and social class.” He also pledged to “activate a public recommendation system so that talented individuals recommended by citizens can serve the country.”

Lee announced plans to launch a “digital platform for public participation” to ensure that citizens’ voices are regularly reflected in governance. “For controversial national issues, we will establish issue-specific deliberation committees to seek social consensus and peaceful resolution,” he said.

On the matter of national unity and political healing, Lee reiterated the importance of putting an end to insurrection. “We must fully end insurrection and strictly hold those responsible to account, so that never again will a tyrannical regime turn its guns on the people,” he said. He also emphasized the need for reconciliation. “We must transcend ideology and factionalism, recognize our opponents, and restore a culture of coexistence, dialogue, and compromise.”

He criticized the former administration, saying, “Over the past three years, the president has deepened national division and fueled extreme polarization, leaving lasting wounds. As someone who understands the dangers of politically motivated abuse of power, I believe I am the right person to put an end to this politics of division.”

Lee also denounced Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), saying, “He has displayed extreme far-right behavior, even shedding tears in front of pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, and has refused to clarify his stance on breaking ties with the ringleader of the insurrection and far-rightists.”

Regarding Lee Jun-seok, the presidential candidate of the minor conservative New Reform Party, Lee said, “His party is essentially a spinoff of the PPP,” adding, “I expect he will proceed with unification with Kim Moon-soo, true to his political nature.”

※This article has undergone review by a professional translator after being translated by an AI translation tool.