Ex-DPK leader returns home from US, vows to do his part in politics

Lee Nak-yon, former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, waves to supporters upon arrival at Incheon International Airport from the United States where he spent the last 12 months, June 24. Yonhap

Lee Nak-yon, a former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), returned home Saturday after spending a year in the United States, promising to "fulfill his responsibilities" amid speculation about what role he will play ahead of next year's general election.

Lee made the pledge as he arrived in the country after studying for a year as a visiting researcher at the George Washington Institute for Korean Studies. The former five-term lawmaker served as prime minister under the previous Moon Jae-in administration.

"I am well aware that I am as much responsible for the situation that the Republic of Korea is in, and I intend to fulfill my responsibilities," Lee told the press upon arriving at Incheon International Airport.

"It's been a year and 17 days. I apologize for being away from you when all of you have been struggling. I won't leave you alone from now on," he said.

Lee took a swipe at the current Yoon Suk Yeol government.

"The whole world is worried about Korea," he said. "The Republic of Korea is crumbling, exports are dwindling and the economy is reeling, not to mention that national pride is collapsing with democracy and welfare getting left behind."

Lee promised to do his part in "making the country stand upright."

He also called for the need to find a solution to Japan's planned discharge of the contaminated Fukushima water.

His return comes as the DPK has struggled with a series of scandals amid questions about the leadership of party leader Lee Jae-myung and could unite lawmakers opposed to the current leader.

Political watchers say he could ultimately be summoned to play a role ahead of the parliamentary elections set for April next year if concerns escalate that the party could fare poorly under the current leadership. (Yonhap)