Lee Seok-yeon Calls on President Yoon to Leave Democratic Party

Lee Seok-yeon, chair of the Presidential Committee on National Integration, publicly urged President Yoon Suk Yeol to resign from the Democratic Party and pursue bipartisan governance. He argued that now, following the conclusion of the party's convention and the establishment of new leadership, is the right time for the president to step down from party affiliation and become a 'president for all.'

During an appearance on MBC's '100 Minutes Debate' on the night of August 18, Lee stated, "I would like to publicly suggest one decision to the president. The Democratic Party's convention has ended. Now, resign from the Democratic Party."

He added, "As the chair of the National Integration Committee, I must say something that may be uncomfortable for the president. If it is considered a breach of etiquette, I will take responsibility for that as well."

Lee cited the escalating political division between the ruling and opposition parties as the backdrop for his resignation proposal. He noted, "The ruling party is competing over who is closer to the president, while the opposition is taking an extreme stance against the president and the government. I am concerned that politics is once again dividing along party lines centered around the president."

He emphasized, "The president has repeatedly stated that he wants to be a 'president for all.' Therefore, he must feel the heaviest responsibility for the current national governance challenges and severe national division."

Lee also called for the inclusion of citizens who did not support or opposed President Yoon in the governance process. He remarked, "The constitution does not require the president to resign from a party, but if the goal of governance is true national integration, then I hope the president will step outside the political confines of being a party president."

Regarding the relationship with the Democratic Party, he stated, "The Democratic Party has elected new leadership through its convention. Now, the party should be entrusted to its new leaders, and the president should return as the president of the people, not just the Democratic Party." He added, "It is essential to govern from a bipartisan perspective, and now is the right time to do so."

Lee also urged the president to reach out first to opposition leaders and those who have been critical of him. He advised, "Meet with the opposition leader and listen to the voices of those who have criticized the president the most. The president should surround himself with those who tell him what he does not want to hear rather than those who only tell him what he wants to hear."

Furthermore, he stated, "National integration does not begin with demanding concessions from others; it starts with the person who holds the greatest power and authority taking the first step down. The president must do so first."

Meanwhile, the broadcast focused on the theme 'Korean Politics on the Edge: What is the Exit?' Lee and Lee Boo-young, honorary director of the Free Press Practice Foundation, discussed the internal conflicts within the Democratic Party following its convention, the turmoil within the People Power Party, and ways to resolve political polarization.