Lee Nak-yeon Urges TK to Deliver Nationwide Inspiration by Easing Regionalism

[Pohang·Gumi (Gyeongbuk) = Asia Economy, Jeon Jin-young reporter] “To the citizens of Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK), I boldly propose that if you show a reduction in regionalism, it could inspire the entire nation.”

With the April 15 general election just two days away, on the 13th, Lee Nak-yeon, co-chairman of the Democratic Party’s joint election countermeasures committee, launched a campaign targeting the TK region, considered a 'Democratic Party tough battleground.' Lee began his first TK support rally by visiting Pohang and Gumi, appealing for the resolution of regional animosities.

That morning, Lee held support rallies in front of Pohang City Hall for candidates Oh Jung-gi (Pohang Buk-gu) and Heo Dae-man (Nam-gu, Ulleung-gun). He said, “The first place in the country to clear hospitals to receive TK COVID-19 patients was Gwangju, and the place that sent lunch boxes to the citizens of TK was Jeollanam-do. I hope the people of TK will accept and remember this kindness and love from the people.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He continued, “During the national misfortune of COVID-19, there was no regional division in the face of this national tragedy,” adding, “The barriers between regions are lowering and must continue to lower.”

Regarding candidate Oh, Lee said, “Having someone like Oh Jung-gi, who can communicate well with the president, would be a benefit to Pohang, not a loss.” He emphasized, “Would someone who opposes the president be good at local projects? Someone who communicates well with the president will be better at local projects,” drawing a clear line against the United Future Party.

About candidate Heo, he said, “Heo Dae-man was elected as the youngest city council member in the country at age 26 and has spent a quarter-century wrestling with Pohang’s issues, seeking solutions and proposing them. Through a quarter-century of setbacks and hardships, he has matured and is now at the perfect age to work, so I suggest you give him a chance.”

At the subsequent Gumi rally, Lee supported candidates Kim Cheol-ho (Gumi Gap), Kim Hyun-kwon (Gumi Eul), and Jang Se-ho (Gyeongbuk Goryeong·Seongju·Chilgok). Lee appealed, “To be straightforward, please let our Kim Cheol-ho and Kim Hyun-kwon work. I also hope you will give comrade Jang Se-ho a chance.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding Kim Cheol-ho, he said, “It’s even rumored in Seoul that he is a Gumi person to the bone,” promising, “Kim Cheol-ho has pledged to the citizens of Gumi to work together to resolve local issues such as installing a KTX transfer station and establishing the new Gumi station on the East-West high-speed railway.”

Lee also revealed a special connection with Kim Hyun-kwon. He said, “Kim Hyun-kwon contributed significantly to resolving avian influenza dramatically,” explaining, “Kim Hyun-kwon once proposed at the Budget and Accounts Special Committee or plenary session that since avian influenza tends to recur at farms where it has occurred, emptying the chickens and ducks from frequently affected farms would reduce the disease. Following this proposal led to great success.” He added, “He is also an all-around policy expert who succeeded in attracting the LG Chem secondary battery plant.”

Citizens and supporters gathered at the site in Gumi expressed their support for Lee’s visit, saying, “Thank you for coming,” and “Please return safely.” One enthusiastic supporter caused a commotion by kneeling and holding onto Lee during his walk to the lunch venue, pleading, “Prime Minister, I have a request,” reportedly asking Lee to visit Jang Se-ho’s constituency.

In both TK region rallies that day, Lee emphasized “first-class citizens, first-class politics.” He said, “People often say the citizens are first-class but politics is third-rate. I ask, if the citizens are first-class, why can’t politics be first-class too?” He added, “Not electing people who speak harshly and like to fight, electing those who work properly, and those who speak with dignity is the easiest way to elect first-class politicians,” targeting the United Future Party amid recent ‘harsh language controversies.’

Furthermore, urging the resolution of regional animosities, he cited an anecdote from his time as governor of Jeollanam-do. He said, “While serving as governor of Jeollanam-do, I operated the East-West Harmony Forum. You may have heard the phrase Hongdong Baekseo (Red East, White West). At that time, red apples from Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and white pears from Naju, Jeollanam-do, were put together in one box as a single product.”

He continued, “A project is underway to create a forest for Jeonnam residents in Gumi, the birthplace of former President Park Chung-hee, and a forest for Gyeongbuk residents near the Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Park of former President Kim Dae-jung,” emphasizing, “We can do it if we try. That’s how it should be done. I pledge to take the lead in doing so,” stressing the eradication of regionalism and unity.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.