Lee Jae-myung: "Some People Call Me the Korean Trump... I'm a Realist"

Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 9th (local time) that "some people call me the 'Korean Trump'."

In an interview article from Seoul published by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the same day, Lee stated that he does not see himself as 'hyperpartisan', saying, "I am a realist."

The WSJ reported that while Lee had been called the 'Korean Bernie Sanders' by critics due to his progressive policies like the basic income pledge, a new comparison has emerged recently due to legal issues, passionate supporters, and influence on social media.

Regarding the Ukraine war, Lee criticized the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, saying it "wants to be continuously dragged along."

He also praised the explicit goal of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to end the Ukraine war and his clear interest in re-engaging with North Korea's Kim Jong-un.

Lee expressed gratitude for Trump’s North Korea policy during his first term, stating, "We have no choice but to be very thankful," and added, "President-elect Trump attempted what others thought was difficult."

During his first term, President-elect Trump held summits with Chairman Kim Jong-un and exchanged so-called 'love letters'. During his election campaign, he repeatedly mentioned that "getting along with someone who has many nuclear weapons is a good thing," indicating his intention to maintain good relations with Kim if re-elected.

In the WSJ interview, Lee criticized President Yoon's handling of relations with China, saying he unnecessarily heightened tensions.

Regarding the martial law situation and the dismissal of President Yoon's impeachment motion due to the absence of the People Power Party, Lee stated, "We must impeach him and restore normal democracy."

He also referred to the so-called 'orderly early resignation' policy of Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, as a "second act of rebellion" by Han and the ruling party.