Lee Jae-myung Visits Gwangju, the 'Heart of the Democratic Party'... Signal for Party Leadership Bid

Lee Jae-myung Starts Bid for Party Leadership... First Visit to Gwangju Following Online 'Batgari' Campaign

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, Senior Advisor of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited Gwangju, the party’s stronghold and heartland, on the 10th.

It is analyzed that through his first visit to Honam since entering the National Assembly, he has officially started his campaign for party leadership ahead of the August 28 party convention. It is interpreted that by solidifying his support base in Gwangju, a key region for the party, he has effectively signaled the start of preparations for the convention.

That afternoon, Lee visited the Gwangju May 18 Memorial Park to hold the event titled "Walking with Lee Jae-myung for Comfort." The event’s concept is to listen to public sentiment by engaging in a 30-minute conversation with residents and hiking together. This is his second such event following one held last month on the 18th at Gyeyang Mountain in his constituency, Incheon.

Before the event, Lee visited Gwangju Catholic University and had a discussion with Archbishop Yoon Gong-hee on topics including peace on the Korean Peninsula. Lawmakers Yoon Young-duk and Lee Hyung-seok, who represent Gwangju constituencies, independent lawmaker Min Hyung-bae, and former Busan High Prosecutor Yang Bu-nam were also present. Park Chan-dae, a two-term lawmaker from Incheon who is mentioned as Lee’s "running mate" for the Supreme Council member candidacy at the party convention, accompanied him as well.

This schedule attracted attention within the party as it was Lee’s first local visit since the June 1 local elections.

Coinciding with the party leadership’s completion of the party convention rule revision process in a way that is not disadvantageous to Lee, there is an interpretation within the party that only Lee’s decision to run remains. He is also strengthening online communication with supporters. On the previous day, Lee communicated with supporters via Twitter from 1:00 a.m. to 2:45 a.m.

When supporters posted "proof shots" showing they encouraged others to join the party, Lee encouraged them with expressions such as "Cham~ jal haetteoyo (Well done)" and "Ttoggeumman (Just a little more) deo haeddoe ttaeyo (please do it)."

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