President Lee defends opinion on party deposit fees as legitimate member right

President Lee Jae-myung has pushed back against accusations that his suggestion to lower the deposit fees for Democratic Party leadership candidates constitutes improper intervention in party affairs. Lee asserted that as a party member, he retains the right to voice opinions on regular party activities, provided they do not violate election laws.

Lee clarified his position on social media, stating that intervening in party affairs, as defined by law, involves influencing nominations or primaries for public elections. He argued that offering an opinion on the recent, sharp increase in deposit fees for young candidates does not fall under this definition. Lee shared a social media post that cautioned him against repeating the mistakes of former presidents Park Geun-hye and Roh Moo-hyun, who faced legal repercussions for intervening in party matters.

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Intervening in party affairs, as defined by law, involves influencing nominations or primaries for public elections.

Previously, Lee had suggested that the Democratic Party consider returning the deposit fees for its leadership and supreme council candidates to their previous levels. He cited the party's financial stability and the need for policy considerations regarding the difficulties faced by young individuals. "Given that the party's finances are not in dire straits and considering the challenges faced by young people and the need for policy support, I suggest considering a return to the previous deposit fee levels," Lee had written.

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Given that the party's finances are not in dire straits and considering the challenges faced by young people and the need for policy support, I suggest considering a return to the previous deposit fee levels.

Responding to the criticism, Lee acknowledged the user's concerns but differentiated past cases of party intervention. He explained that the issues faced by former presidents involved direct interference in the nomination or selection of public election candidates. He added that while expressing personal preferences for specific candidates in party elections is not legally prohibited, he generally refrains from doing so to respect the party's autonomy.

Lee further emphasized the role of political parties, especially the ruling party, in demonstrating competence and delivering results for the public. He stressed that his comments on the youth deposit fees were not an endorsement of any particular candidate but rather a reflection of his deep concern for youth issues. "The youth issue is the biggest social problem in our society, and this deposit fee issue could become a catalyst for young people to fundamentally question the perception of youth by the Democratic Party and the ruling powers," Lee stated. He urged understanding for his desire, as a party member, to see the Democratic Party become a capable and democratic party that respects the will of its members and the public.

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The youth issue is the biggest social problem in our society, and this deposit fee issue could become a catalyst for young people to fundamentally question the perception of youth by the Democratic Party and the ruling powers.