Former President Lee Myung-bak (MB) noted on the 17th that the opposition party should withdraw its impeachment trial against Acting President Han Duck-soo for the national interest or the Constitutional Court should make a decision promptly.
On this day, former President Lee expressed concern during a meeting with Kweon Seong-dong, the floor leader, at the Lee Myung-bak Foundation in Seocho-gu, Seoul, saying, "Since the inauguration of President Trump, leaders of all countries have been working to improve relations with the United States, but in our case, we are in an acting system, so the U.S. does not recognize us as a dialogue partner and is experiencing considerable difficulties in establishing relations with the U.S.," according to Kweon.
He added, "At such a time, Acting Han should return quickly." Han served as the Ambassador to the United States and the President of the Korea International Trade Association during the Lee Myung-bak administration.
He further stated, "In that sense, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, should also withdraw the impeachment motion against Acting President Han Duck-soo in securing the national interest rather than the party's interest or the Constitutional Court should quickly decide on the impeachment trial against Acting Han."
Former President Lee also said, "If the party does not divide and unites through solidarity and integration in the future, everyone will be able to come together as one to navigate the difficult political situation."
In a previous public meeting, former President Lee emphasized, "Minor parties must unite so that the president can work, but it is quite regrettable that the party is divided" and said, "The current opposition is not just an ordinary opposition; it is also a majority party," adding, "To overcome that, the ruling party needs to really gather its strength and wisdom."
The meeting took place as a New Year’s greeting. Recently, potential candidates from the ruling party, such as Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo and Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, have visited former President Lee in succession. It appears that advice regarding the future political situation, including an early presidential election phase, was also exchanged. There was reportedly no separate mention of the impeachment trial process against President Yoon at the meeting.