[Report] "Lee Jae-myung has good drive" Lee Nak-yeon's district, the presidential election 'Jongno public sentiment'

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Criticism That "Lee Nak-yeon's Clear Promises Are Not Evident"

The area around Nakwon Arcade in Jongno, Seoul, the constituency of former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon. Residents nearby evaluated that candidate Lee Jae-myung delivers distinctive messages well regarding his campaign progress. Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy reporters Han Seung-gon and Kang Joo-hee] "He looks like he has drive." , "I don't really see Lee Nak-yeon's pledges..."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential primary candidate, has taken a step closer to advancing to the main election by consistently leading his competitor Lee Nak-yeon by a wide margin in regional primary races. Given this situation, attention is turning to candidate Lee Nak-yeon.

On the 6th, residents of Seoul Jongno, Lee Nak-yeon's constituency, whom we met, expressed critical opinions about candidate Lee Jae-myung but emphasized that he clearly shows his own colors. On the other hand, they pointed out that Lee Nak-yeon has relatively no noticeable presence.

Mr. Kim (45), who has run a key shop in Jongno for 50 years, said, "At this point, it's still hard to tell who will win," adding, "Lee Jae-myung is ahead in the Chungcheong region, but he has had too many problems for a long time." He continued, "To become president, one must be clean and able to care for the people, but there were issues with his sister-in-law and some bad incidents involving an actress. I think character is important to the public."

Mr. Park (45), whom we met in front of Nakwon Arcade, said, "I don't support either more. But if someone is to be president, they should have clear ideas, and I don't see such clear pledges from Lee Nak-yeon. Lee Jae-myung seems to have a bit more drive."

The restaurant district around Jongno is showing a quiet appearance. Photo by Joohee Kang kjh818@asiae.co.kr

Meanwhile, there was also a kind of political disgust view that does not trust politicians' words at all. Mr. Lee (60), who runs a nameplate shop, said, "I don't like either of them. Looking at President Moon Jae-in now, who can be trusted? Look at the state of the country now. It's not a situation to support anyone."

Mr. Kim (68), who runs a Makgeolli shop near Nakwon Arcade, said, "I look at Lee Nak-yeon; I don't even look at Lee Jae-myung. When I hear about Lee Jae-myung's family matters, there are many talks that everything would be risky if he became president," but added, "That doesn't mean I like Lee Nak-yeon either. I don't like any politicians." He raised his voice, "They always fight among themselves and don't care about the common people. Who cares who becomes president? I have no expectations, and once they get up there, they're all the same," repeatedly criticizing.

Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party primary candidate, received an overwhelming majority in the first regional primary held in the Chungcheong area on the 5th. According to the announced vote results for Sejong and North Chungcheong, candidate Lee Jae-myung received 7,035 votes (54.54%) out of a total of 12,899 votes, while candidate Lee Nak-yeon received 3,834 votes (29.72%).

Candidate Lee Jae-myung received 14,012 votes out of a total of 25,564 votes, achieving a 54.81% vote share, significantly outpacing second-place candidate Lee Nak-yeon (27.41%). Looking at the cumulative vote share in the Chungcheong region over two days, candidate Lee Jae-myung received 21,047 votes out of 38,463 total votes, recording a 54.72% vote share. He defeated second-place candidate Lee Nak-yeon (10,841 votes, 28.19%) by double the score.

Regarding these results, candidate Lee Jae-myung said on the afternoon of the 5th, after the vote count for the Sejong and North Chungcheong primary at the Cheongju CJB Convention Center, "Rather than being obsessed with turnout or approval ratings, I will continue to do my best to meet the expectations that the public and party members have for me." Candidate Lee Nak-yeon said, "I humbly accept the results and will do my best going forward," adding, "I will review how to change messages and policies."

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