Lee Jae-myung and Lee Nak-yeon Unite in Gwangju: "Turning Crisis into Opportunity"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, accelerated his ‘One Team’ campaign by visiting Gwangju on the 5th together with his former rival, former party leader Lee Nak-yeon.

On the same day, as his opponent Yoon Seok-youl of the People Power Party announced the disbandment of his campaign committee, causing instability in the opposition coalition, Lee’s move also appears intended to create a contrast effect.

On that day, Lee attended the National Vision and National Integration Committee’s Gwangju Vision Meeting at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju together with former leader Lee.

In his opening remarks, Lee said, “I am pleased to be here with you to discuss the future vision of the Republic of Korea and national integration alongside the respected former leader Lee.”

Lee emphasized, “The world is facing many crises. On March 9th, it will be decided whether we continue living as followers and face the risk of being stranded, or whether we become a leading country that leads the world and maximizes opportunities. I trust my comrades and the people. At this turning point where we turn crisis into opportunity and make a new leap, I will join hands with you and unite our strength.”

He also mentioned the merger with the Open Democratic Party and the ‘general amnesty’ for defectors. Lee said, “All the candidates who competed have truly done their utmost to play their maximum roles. The integration with the Open Democratic Party has been decided. And our former comrades who once left the party for various reasons are gathering again on one front. With united strength, we will turn this crisis into an opportunity and build a new country together.”

Former leader Lee responded, “The democracy we enjoy was built with the blood of Gwangju citizens and the blood of martyr Lee Han-yeol, who was shed in Seoul in June 1987. We must never shed blood again. Many workers are still bleeding in industrial sites. Many people make extreme choices due to hardships in life. Self-employed people crushed by the COVID-19 crisis endure pain akin to death every day. We must overcome these issues quickly. Candidate Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party will start with these tasks.”

He raised his voice, saying, “New challenges such as polarization and welfare are emerging one after another. We must achieve socioeconomic democracy, which contrasts with political democracy. Candidate Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party will also accomplish that.”

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