‘Surprise Unification’ by the Opposition: Lee Jae-myung Says “Politics Is Done by the People, Not Politicians” (Summary)

Lee Jae-myung, Democratic Party Presidential Candidate, Avoids Direct Answer on Unification Question
"Politics Is Done by the People," He Says
Lee Jae-myung Meets Archbishop Jeong Sun-taek
"Politics Should Aim for Unity Rather Than Conflict"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Koo Chae-eun and Lee Myung-hwan] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, made a brief statement regarding the unification of candidates Yoon Seok-yeol and Ahn Cheol-soo, saying, "Politics may seem like something politicians do, but it is the people who do it," expressing his intention to "leave it to the judgment of the people." He avoided giving a direct answer to questions about the unification while reiterating his commitment to political reform.

On the 3rd, immediately after the unification between candidates Yoon and Ahn was confirmed, Lee responded to questions about the unification during a Q&A session with reporters at the Seoul Archdiocese office, saying, "I trust history and the people. I will steadfastly walk the path of livelihood economy, peace, and unity." Although additional questions about the unification followed, Lee's side left the venue citing "another schedule" and did not provide a specific stance. In the ultra-close race where victory or defeat is decided by a narrow margin, the surprise unification of the opposition is seen as an unexpected setback by Lee's camp, revealing a sense of bewilderment.

On the 2nd, one week before the 20th presidential election, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, and Ahn Cheol-soo, the People’s Party presidential candidate, are having a conversation at the 3rd invited candidates debate for the 20th presidential election hosted by the Central Election Broadcasting Debate Commission held at KBS in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

At a meeting with Jeong Soon-taek, Archbishop of the Seoul Archdiocese, Lee once again emphasized the meaning of ‘political reform.’ He explained, "Politics should unify the people, but it is truly regrettable that it has become a cause of division and conflict," adding, "Therefore, I believe politics should engage in healthy competition for the people through unity." He further mentioned, "We need to create a structure so that politics can move toward unity and institutionalize national integration." Lee stressed, "I think it is society’s task to design a political structure that gathers the power of the people and maximizes wisdom and capabilities."

Following his visit to the Seoul Archdiocese, Lee toured relatively weak areas in Seoul (Jongno Boshingak site, Yeongdeungpo Times Square, Gangseo District, Geumcheon District) to court female voters. That morning, he announced a women’s pledge, stating, "I will eliminate structural discrimination and become a ‘women’s safety president.’" The pledge included ▲significantly strengthening punishment for sex crimes ▲employment equality and wage disclosure system ▲reporting and supervision system for workplaces with gender discrimination in hiring ▲automatic registration system for parental leave ▲strong punishment for infant murder and abandonment. From tomorrow until the presidential election on March 9, he plans to visit Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Jeju, and other regions that he was unable to tour immediately after the official campaign started.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Starting at noon on the same day, Lee plans to launch a ‘women’s campaign.’ He will hold campaign activities at the Boshingak site in Jongno, Seoul, under the slogan "For all of us, toward a gender-equal society." A women’s pledge ceremony will also take place. Afterwards, he will visit Times Square, a complex shopping mall in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, to hold a joint campaign with former candidate Kim Dong-yeon, who previously withdrew from the presidential race and declared support for Lee.

In the evening, Lee will continue campaigning near Balsan Station in Gangseo District, Seoul. A pledge ceremony targeting single-person households is also scheduled. For his final schedule of the day, Lee will visit Geumcheon District, Seoul, to campaign under the theme "A city where youth are happy, a city where small and medium enterprises grow, Seoul!" A Democratic Party campaign official said, "During the Seoul campaign, Lee plans to express his aspirations as a competent economic president, his vision as a women’s safety president, and his determination as a commander-in-chief to overcome crises."

On the 2nd, one week before the 20th presidential election, candidates from each party are taking a commemorative photo before the start of the 3rd invited candidates debate for the 20th presidential election, hosted by the Central Election Broadcasting Debate Commission, held at KBS in Yeouido, Seoul. From the left, Sim Sang-jung, Justice Party candidate; Yoon Seok-youl, People Power Party candidate; Ahn Cheol-soo, People’s Party candidate; Lee Jae-myung, Democratic Party of Korea candidate. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Association

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