Lee Jae-myung "I am the Supreme Commander for Overcoming Korea's Crisis"... Democratic Party, Total Rally in Seoul

Key Figures of the Democratic Party Attack Yoon and Appeal for Support of Lee

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, began his official campaign on the 15th starting in Busan, then proceeded through Daegu and Daejeon, arriving at the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal in Seoul, where he declared himself "the crisis-overcoming general proven by achievements" and a leader who will guide the future of the Republic of Korea.

Election committee chairpersons including Lee Nak-yeon, Chung Sye-kyun, Choo Mi-ae, Park Yong-jin, Song Young-gil, and Yoon Ho-jung also held campaigns in Gwangju, Jeonju, Daegu, and Daejeon respectively, before gathering at the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal, where the Gyeongbu and Honam lines meet, to request support for candidate Lee.

On this day, candidate Lee said in his speech, "To overcome the crisis, a competent quarantine commander is needed," appealing for support as a leader equipped with the capability and achievements to overcome COVID-19, restore economic growth, and unify the people.

He stated, "Now, the response to COVID-19 must become smart and flexible. The core of quarantine is to focus on severe patients so that no one suffers an unjust death," adding, "If I become president, I will immediately implement a 50 trillion won support policy to fully compensate the losses of citizens affected by the crisis, not only through emergency supplementary budgets but also through emergency financial orders on behalf of the state."

Candidate Lee quoted a dialogue scene between the People's Army and the village chief from the movie 'Welcome to Dongmakgol,' saying, "Isn't solving the people's livelihood, the issue of making a living, and the economy the most important role of politics?"

He urged, "Not with emotion but with reason, not for the past but for the future, not for a particular politician but for your own life, please decide the fate of the Republic of Korea on March 9," and warned, "The power entrusted by the people must never again be used to ruin the country for political gain and hatred, and we cannot repeat the painful memories from 13 years ago," referring to the late former President Roh Moo-hyun.

His remarks appear aimed at rallying support by attacking Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, over Yoon's recent statement about investigating deep-rooted evils during his administration.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Leading figures of the Democratic Party who took the podium also launched fierce criticism targeting candidate Yoon.

Song Young-gil, the party leader, asked, "Do we need a competent president who works well, or a figurehead president?" and questioned, "Can the great people who built an advanced Korea hand over power to a prosecutor's club?"

Yoon Ho-jung, the floor leader, criticized, "When that gentleman (candidate Yoon) was Prosecutor General, even with an organization of 2,000 prosecutors, he couldn't properly exercise power," adding, "He appointed only his close aides, the Yoon Seok-youl faction, and special prosecutors as heads of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office divisions, monopolizing power completely. What would happen to Korea if a candidate so obsessed with monopolizing power becomes president?"

Former leader Lee Nak-yeon also attacked candidate Yoon's qualifications, saying, "We are facing a crisis where the prosecution might run wild again," and "An inexperienced group or a rookie leader will not do. Experience and capability cannot be acquired through last-minute studying."

Park Young-sun, Chairperson of the Digital Innovation and Great Transformation Committee, pointed out, "Can someone who stretches their feet out on a train understand the feelings of the weak?"

Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said, "This opposition candidate has never been an elected public official. Because of this lack of experience, he has never been evaluated by the people, nor has he made or fulfilled any promises to the public."

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