A video address by President Lee Jae Myung is shown at the Democratic Party of Korea's third regular national party convention, held Monday at the Daejeon Convention Center. [Yonhap]
A video address by President Lee Jae Myung is shown at the Democratic Party of Korea's third regular national party convention, held Monday at the Daejeon Convention Center. [Yonhap]

President Lee Jae Myung said Monday that the Democratic Party of Korea is "strongest when it is united," urging members to rally behind the party's incoming leadership after a competitive internal election.

Lee delivered the remarks in a video address at the party's third regular national convention, held Monday afternoon at the Daejeon Convention Center. "I would like to offer my congratulations in advance to the new party leader and leadership who will soon take office," he said.

Lee attended the convention via video rather than in person.

Opening his remarks on a personal note, Lee said he had long wanted to meet party members face to face. "It has been a while since I last greeted you, my beloved and respected fellow Democratic Party members," he said. "I wanted to meet you in person, shake your hands and talk — and while it is a shame I cannot, I am truly glad to be with you, even if only through this video."

Lee also expressed gratitude to those who had kept the party running. "Han Byung-do, who has capably led the party as acting leader and floor leader — and the members of the convention preparatory committee, the National Election Commission, party officials and staff who prepared this convention without a hitch — thank you for your hard work," he said.

Lee stressed the party's cohesion and its potential for growth. "At every moment of crisis, our Democratic Party has consistently grown stronger, sustained by the dedication of our members and the trust of the Korean people," he said. "Because each of us carries an urgent desire for a better country, I have no doubt that our Democratic Party will go on to become a stronger and more capable party — one that leads the growth and advancement of the Republic of Korea. And we must make it so."

He also reflected on the first year of the Democratic Party government. "Over the past year, amid wave after wave of crisis, we have instead confirmed the potential, the possibilities and the great opportunities that Korea holds," Lee said, calling on members to make 2026 "the year when the bold dream of an irreplaceable Korea — a Korea no other country in the world can replace — truly begins."

Lee said he hoped to press forward alongside the Korean people toward "a Korea that moves from a country the world watches to an indispensable nation the world cannot do without — an industrial powerhouse where every citizen and every region shares equally in the opportunities and benefits of growth, a Korea where the people are the masters and happiness is shared by all."

He closed by expressing confidence in the party's new leadership. "I trust the capable and strong leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, comrades who walk toward the same goal with the same conviction, building a democratic Republic of Korea together," Lee said. "My beloved and respected fellow party members — we are one. Thank you."


moone@heraldcorp.com