LH Angered Public Sentiment Calmed and United by Ruling Party, "We Are Sorry" "Please Help Us"

Lee Nak-yeon "Dear Citizens, Please Help"
Song Young-gil "Apologies for the LH Speculation Scandal"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] The Democratic Party of Korea has mobilized its forces ahead of the Seoul and Busan by-elections scheduled for April. In particular, regarding the public outrage over the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) land speculation scandal, the party pledged to focus on preventing recurrence and soothe the angry public sentiment.

On the 25th, Lee Nak-yeon, the Standing Election Committee Chair of the Democratic Party of Korea, posted on Facebook titled "Dear Citizens, Please Help" appealing for support for the ruling party's candidates.

Lee Nak-yeon, the Standing Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, is giving a speech at the campaign kickoff rally for Park Young-sun, the Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, held in front of the G Plus Tower in Guro Digital Complex, Guro-gu, Seoul, on the first day of official election campaigning for the April 7 by-elections. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Chair Lee stated, "This is a time to eradicate real estate corruption and cleanse the public service. It is also a time to quickly end the suffering caused by COVID-19 and the resulting hardships on people's livelihoods and the economy. It is time to start major future visions such as the great transformation of Seoul and the construction of the Gadeok New Airport," emphasizing, "We will carry out these tasks decisively." This is interpreted as a humble stance to regain public trust shaken by the recent LH scandal. He added, "We will deeply reflect on our mistakes, innovate, and boldly pioneer the future."

On the same day, Representative Song Young-gil apologized for the LH employees' land speculation incident, saying, "We are sorry. We will ensure that this never happens again," and pleaded, "Please ease your anger a little and consider the character of the mayor who will affect your life for the next year."

Representative Song emphasized, "The law has been passed and measures to prevent recurrence have been prepared. We will investigate even a single case of speculation and ensure it faces legal judgment. This will never happen again."

He also asked people to "look closely" at Park Young-sun, the Seoul mayoral candidate, and Kim Young-chun, the Busan mayoral candidate. Regarding Park, he praised her, saying, "During her time as a member of the National Assembly, she led efforts for chaebol reform, support for small and medium enterprises, and worker protection," and described her as "someone who does things properly." About Kim, he evaluated him as a "prepared Busan mayor." He particularly introduced Kim by saying, "Although he could have continued as a popular Seoul National Assembly member, he chose to challenge his hometown Busan, following in the footsteps of Roh Moo-hyun," and emphasized, "The Gadeok New Airport is being pushed forward by the ruling party with 180 seats thanks to Kim Young-chun's persistence."

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae also actively supported the two mayoral candidates from the same party, stating that they are outstanding to an incomparable degree compared to their opponents.

Former Minister Choo mentioned, "The LH incident, which erupted amid the failure to properly rein in the real estate market and the growing sense of loss among the house-less common people, stirred public anger," and said, "The way to soothe the angry public sentiment is not to hesitate on the path but to clearly solve each issue one by one, showing that the path can ultimately be reached."

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