Lee Jae-myung, WSJ interviewer, "Some people call me 'Korea's Trump'"

ⓒYonhap News Agency

Lee Jae-myung, chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, said in an interview with foreign media, "Some people call me the 'Trump of Korea'."

In an interview article from Seoul published by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 9th, CEO Lee said, "I am a realist," saying he does not see himself as "hyperpartisan."

The WSJ reported that Lee was called "Korea's Bernie Sanders" by critics for progressive policies such as basic income pledges, but recently a new comparison of "Korea's Trump" has emerged due to judicial issues, passionate supporters, and influence on social media.

Lee stressed that he "highly appreciates" U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's explicit goal of ending the war in Ukraine and Trump's clear interest in re-engaging with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

In particular, regarding Trump's North Korea policy during his first term, he said, "We can only be very grateful," and added, "Trump tried to do what others thought was difficult."

During the first term, Trump held a summit with Kim Jong-un and exchanged so-called "love letters." During the presidential election campaign, he said, "It's good to get along with someone who has a lot of nuclear weapons," and repeatedly expressed his intention to get along with Chairman Kim when he returns to power.

Regarding the abolition of President Yoon's impeachment bill in connection with the martial law incident, Lee said, "We must impeach him and restore normal democracy."

In addition, Han Dong-hoon, the representative of People's Power, claimed that the so-called "orderly resignation of President Yoon" policy was a "second act of rebellion" by Han and the ruling party.

Regarding the possibility of a breakaway vote from the ruling party when voting on the impeachment motion in the future, only eight opposition parties need it, adding, "When the water crosses the limit line, it overflows quickly. Then people will choose to live together rather than die," he said.

Citing recent polls, the WSJ said Lee is "very close" to the next presidency, citing recent polls, amid the prospect of an early presidential election due to the impeachment or resignation of President Yoon in Korea.

Reporter Lee Yu Na from Digital News Team.