Chung Cheong-rae: "Unity Brings Victory, Division Brings Defeat... We Must Rally Firmly Around President Lee"

"Party, Government, and Presidential Office: One Team, One Voice"

Chung Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on June 11, "History has taught us well that unity leads to victory, while division results in defeat. The Democratic Party must come together firmly around President Lee Jae-myung."

At the "1st Anniversary Discussion Commemorating the Launch of the Lee Jae-myung Administration" held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on this day, Representative Chung said, "Just as President Lee is determined to make the next four years count as eight, the Democratic Party will strongly support the administration. We always emphasize and affirm that the party, government, and presidential office are one team, speaking with one voice."

Representative Chung Cheong-rae giving a congratulatory speech at the 1st anniversary forum of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Photo by Yonhap News

Chung also stated, "The Democratic Party demonstrated comradeship and crossed the line of death together during the night of the 12·3 Martial Law Rebellion. With the same spirit of that night, I once again emphasize the need to unite and join forces for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration."

He added, "We must keep in mind the public sentiment revealed in the 6·3 local elections and maintain a humble stance, working closely with the people."

Regarding the first year of the Lee Jae-myung administration, Chung evaluated it as "a period of 'national normalization' that restored democracy, which had collapsed during three years of President Yoon Suk-yeol's prosecutorial dictatorship; revived the devastated economy; and put peace on the Korean Peninsula and inter-Korean relations back on track."

Chung remarked, "There can be no objective disagreement that Korea has ushered in an era of better democracy and has moved beyond the 'Korea risk' to the 'Korea premium.' Even in the midst of a turbulent international order, South Korea's credibility has risen, and the momentum for economic growth and peace on the Korean Peninsula is increasing."

He continued, "Thanks to President Lee Jae-myung's unprecedented diplomatic capabilities and achievements, Korea now stands confidently alongside the G7 advanced nations. I believe President Lee's very presence has become a constant for Korea's national competitiveness." He added, "That is why many people say, 'Korea is a country with President Lee.'"

After Representative Chung commented, "The people are eternal, but administrations are short-lived," at the Supreme Council meeting the previous day, some interpreted this as being directed at President Lee. In response, Chung repeatedly emphasized unity on this day, seemingly working to contain the situation.

At the general assembly of lawmakers held earlier that day, Chung again stressed the importance of unity, saying, "What we must do now, with clear minds and determination, is to come together around President Lee Jae-myung, ensure the success of his administration, and make a firm resolve to win back the presidency."

During the general assembly, some lawmakers reportedly demanded that Chung step down as party leader, taking responsibility for the results of the local elections.

Meanwhile, after finishing his opening remarks at the discussion, when asked by reporters whether he would run for re-election as party leader, Chung replied, "Everyone should make their own judgment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.