Rhyu Si-min: 'New Lee Jae-myung' Actions Are Presidential Strategy, Not 'Self-Proclaimed Pro-Lee' Rampage

Writer Rhyu Si-min, a commentator often associated with the broader ruling bloc who has previously criticized President Lee Jae-myung by raising theories of reconstruction and inevitable defeat, claimed yesterday (July 21) that "the actions of the so-called 'New Lee Jae-myung' faction are not merely a rampage by self-proclaimed pro-Lee supporters, but are planned and initiated by the President and certain aides unknown to us."

Appearing on a YouTube channel that day, Rhyu stated, "I have concluded that the leader of the 'New Lee Jae-myung' forces is likely President Lee Jae-myung himself, rather than figures like Representative Lee Un-ju (who are labeled as pro-Lee)."

'New Lee Jae-myung' refers to a group of party members within the Democratic Party who support the President's line of expanding the party's reach and promoting integration.

This group maintains a relatively moderate stance on issues such as prosecution reform and takes a cautious approach toward potential mergers with the Rebuilding Korea Party.

Furthermore, Rhyu argued, "I believe the President holds a position against the complete separation of investigation and indictment," adding, "My hypothesis is that (the President) wants to retain the prosecution's investigative powers."

Regarding the push for related legislation, he said, "Clouds of suspicion began to grow," and added, "Seeing them introduce amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act that do not align with the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency or the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) laws, and hearing them discuss supplementary investigation rights, it is time to view this as the President's decision."

He continued, "If you do not offer any criticism or place any restrictions, all the fish in the market will rot," adding, "You must purify it before the stench of rot sets in. Someone with a sensitive sense of smell must speak up."

He pointed out, "If people start saying, 'You are damaging the reputation of our fish market,' or 'Isn't this anti-market agitation,' and drive the person out, then no one will be able to speak up anymore. After that, everything just rots."

In addition, he noted, "I still hear people talking about getting their heads cut off these days," but added, "However, we have entered an era where it is okay to criticize those in power."

This remark is interpreted as a jab at Representative Song Young-gil, a candidate for the Democratic Party leadership, who mentioned the so-called 'Myeong-Cheong (President Lee Jae-myung and Representative Jung Chung-rae) War' on July 14, stating, "In the past, this would be a situation where one would have to be beheaded as a traitor to suppress it."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.