Seoul: Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung announced on Sunday his intention to establish a task force to tackle the ongoing economic crisis if he is elected president next month. In a press conference held at the DP headquarters in Seoul, Lee emphasized that forming this task force, with the president at the helm, would be his first priority "if I am chosen by the people" in the upcoming June 3 election.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee expressed that only a candidate and party equipped to resolve accumulated issues can effectively address this crisis. He committed to swiftly preparing actionable measures to support citizens' livelihoods and combat the recession. Lee highlighted the plight of small business owners, who he believes have been severely impacted by trade issues and evolving global security environments, urging the government to devise "efficient" strategies to revitalize the economy.
Lee asserted that efforts should be concentrated on economic recovery and restoring livelihoods, downplaying the immediate necessity of judicial, prosecutorial, and police reforms. He advocated for a supplementary budget to meet urgent needs and stimulate the economy in the short term. Furthermore, Lee proposed the creation of a new agency dedicated to regulatory reform to bolster corporate activities.
He promised to transcend ideological differences in policy implementation whenever such approaches benefit the economy and the populace. Lee criticized the politics of division and conflict, attributing the deepened political divides and confrontations to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose impeachment in April set the stage for the June election. He called for an end to adversarial politics and the promotion of coexistence and communication to restore democracy.
Lee asserted his suitability to end divisive politics, emphasizing his understanding of the consequences of political retribution and promising not to engage in such practices. While he pledged to hold accountable those involved in treasonous acts, Lee vowed not to pursue politically motivated retributions against individuals.
Lee dismissed concerns that a Democratic Party victory, given its majority in the National Assembly, would create an excessively dominant force in both legislative and executive branches. He described such notions as "preposterous," arguing that the opposition's majority was a check against the ruling party, reflecting the people's will.
Addressing criticism from conservatives regarding his proposal to amend the Constitution to allow two four-year presidential terms, Lee clarified that the change would not apply to the incumbent president. He urged critics to cease political attacks that could mislead the public.
In anticipation of the election, Lee acknowledged the potential merger of candidacies from conservative candidates Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party and Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party, as they may seek a stronger challenge against him.
Lee Jae-myung also deflected questions about his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, joining him on the campaign trail, contrasting with Kim Moon-soo's wife, Seol Nan-young, who has been active alongside her husband. Lee stated, "I don't even know what my wife is up to," respecting her autonomy in deciding her level of involvement.
Kim Hye-kyung has maintained a low profile during the campaign, following a court fine for violating election laws linked to allegations of using a corporate card to buy meals for legislative wives and aides in 2021, during Lee's tenure as governor of Gyeonggi province.