President Lee Jae-myung called for unity on the 18th, saying, "All of us who dream of the ideals of democracy, progress and reform and who act for a better world are pro-Moon, pro-Roh, pro-Kim Dae-jung, and comrades of Lee Jae-myung."
Lee made the remarks at a press conference held at the Blue House, adding, "Please do not doubt even the sincerity of people who looked toward the same place and walked together, simply because their paths and methods differ slightly." He said, "It is regrettable that people who staked their lives to overcome the insurrection and who joined wholeheartedly for the success of the government of popular sovereignty are now exchanging language of hatred," and added, "It pains me to see someone who dreamed of and worked for a better world singled out as a target of exclusion, hurt and suffering."
He continued, "There may be countless causes and drivers behind this painful reality, but the greatest responsibility lies with me, the Democratic Party's foremost member and the highest official in charge of state affairs." He also said, "Even if you feel resentment and want to blame someone, please blame the shortcomings of me and my government," pledging, "I will listen more, communicate more, and extend my hand first."
He added, "I will strive with bone-carving resolve so that small differences become a force for finding better answers rather than a reason to push one another away."
He also said, "I have been rebuked for letting reform grow blurred in trying to achieve integration, and I have had the sincerity of my integration efforts questioned while pushing reform." He added, "But I state firmly that it was my government and I who fell short in process and method — the direction we must advance in has not changed." He said, "The historic command to practice the spirit of the solidarity of light for sweeping social reform in the field of daily life also remains a valid compass for Lee Jae-myung, the 'reform president.'"
