Lee Jae-myung: "If it is for the people, I am willing to crawl under Trump's legs"

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

Candidate Lee Jae-myung emphasized that trade negotiations with the United States are currently the most important issue.
He stated there are enough diplomatic negotiation cards and that mutually beneficial compromise and coordination are possible.
He highlighted that he is willing to adopt a flexible stance if necessary for the wellbeing of the people and the nation.

Highlighting trade negotiations with the United States as the most pressing issue

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, drew attention by remarking in relation to trade negotiations with the United States that "if necessary, I am even willing to crawl under (President Donald Trump’s) legs."

On the afternoon of the 2nd, candidate Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Park Jae-hong's Hanpan Seungbu' and stated, "Overcoming hardships for the people and overcoming internal crises are clear priorities, but on top of those, the most important issue is trade relations with the United States."

He added, "Everything is done by people and can be solved by people. In the end, through compromise and coordination, we can find a solution that benefits both sides."

Asked whether President Trump was difficult to deal with, Lee replied, "I am not easy to deal with myself either. Diplomacy is not about one side gaining and the other losing unilaterally. That is pillaging, like when one was forced to pay tribute."

He raised his voice and continued, "Diplomacy between independent nations should benefit both parties. We have quite a few cards to play. There's give and take on both sides."

Regarding President Trump's tactic of pressuring negotiation counterparts, Lee remarked, "That is a typical behavior of a superpower and we must cope with it well. We can't avoid it. Since this isn't a personal matter, but one that concerns all our people, if needed, I am willing to crawl under his legs. What does that matter?"

He further emphasized, "If by the president of (the Republic of Korea) yielding for a moment, 52 million people can stand tall, then he should yield."

Meanwhile, as of 3 p.m. on the main voting day for the 21st presidential election, over 30 million people had voted, with the turnout temporarily recorded at 68.7%—the highest rate for this time slot in any previous presidential election.

Jang Ji-min, contributing reporter, Hankyung.com newsinfo@hankyung.com