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Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is paying respects at the National 5.18 Democratic Cemetery on the 28th.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeong Se-gyun, former Prime Minister classified as a potential presidential candidate of the ruling party, visited the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery on the 28th.

This was Jeong Se-gyun's first visit to Gwangju since his retirement, and it was his first visit in 86 days since coming as Prime Minister on February 10, just before the Lunar New Year holiday.

Jeong, who is mentioned as a potential presidential candidate of the ruling party, visited the late former President Kim Dae-jung's residence two days after resigning from the Prime Minister position on the 16th. On the 25th, he paid respects at the grave of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun in Bongha Village, Gimhae, Gyeongnam, signaling the official start of his presidential campaign.

Although his approval rating is lower compared to former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon and Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung, who are currently accelerating their presidential campaigns, local political circles expect his upcoming extensive activities to attract attention.

Jeong, who has long been nicknamed "Mr. Smile," appeared solemn on this day.

Perhaps due to the significance of the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery and the strong sunlight, he seemed to be firmly determined about his future course.

Entering the Gate of Democracy at the entrance of the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, he wrote in the guestbook, "To the people who are overcoming the crisis together, I will repay you with K-Recovery. I will surely achieve life recovery, economic recovery, and community recovery," before proceeding with the memorial service.

Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is listening to an explanation from Congressman Lee Yong-bin at the grave site of martyr Yoon Sang-won in the National 5.18 Democratic Cemetery on the 28th.

Jeong emphasized, "Gwangju and Jeonnam must stand at the center of Korea and K-Recovery, and they will."

He continued, "Gwangju and Jeonnam are making various industrial efforts and are wisely coping with the challenges they currently face. I believe that placing them at the center of Korea's future is a reward for the hard work of the citizens of Gwangju and Jeonnam."

He was reserved about his presidential candidacy.

Jeong said, "Right now, I am carefully listening to the people's words and thinking about what I can do to build Korea's future," adding, "When the time comes soon, I will explain my plans in detail."

He also emphasized, "There are many talented people within the Democratic Party who can unite for Korea's future. Together with them, we will achieve the re-creation of the government, and the re-creation of the government is the completion of the reforms pursued by the Moon Jae-in administration."

Regarding the issue of relocating the military airport, a current concern in Gwangju and Jeonnam, he said, "The longer this task is delayed, the more Gwangju and Jeonnam suffer," and explained, "Mayors, governors, members of the National Assembly, and other responsible parties must come together to pool wisdom."

He added, "The government will, of course, provide support and cooperation in its own way."

Meanwhile, Jeong will stay in Gwangju until the 29th to listen to and discuss local issues before returning to Seoul.

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