Lee Jae-myung Urges Support for Presidential Election

On June 2, a day before the 21st presidential election, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's candidate, visited the Buk Seoul Dream Forest in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, to rally support. He stated, "Just as I did in Seongnam and Gyeonggi Province, I will now change South Korea."

During a press conference at the resident church in Seongnam, Lee emphasized, "Politics is about creating paths where none exist. If it improves the lives of the people, we must take on challenges, even if they are difficult." This church is significant as it is where he decided to engage in politics back in 2004. He reflected, "On March 28, 2004, at 5 PM, I resolved to enter politics in the basement prayer room here, and it feels surreal to hold a press conference for the public in this place now."

Lee described Seongnam as the birthplace of his political identity, stating, "This is where the young Lee Jae-myung faced hardships but also nurtured dreams, and where the activist Lee Jae-myung brought about social change. I promise from my political hometown, Seongnam, that I will open the future of South Korea together with the people."

He criticized the past three years of what he termed tyranny and illegal martial law, claiming that the lives of citizens have deteriorated, and the economy has plummeted, with the Bank of Korea recently lowering growth forecasts to 0.8%. "This is the reality South Korea faces," he said.

However, Lee expressed determination, stating, "I will not give up. Together with the great people, we can overcome this. My life has been a journey of turning the impossible into the possible." He recalled his time as the mayor of Seongnam, where he faced numerous challenges but focused on the citizens' needs, implementing policies like free school uniforms, youth dividends, and postpartum care support that were once deemed impossible.

As the governor of Gyeonggi Province, he expanded the youth dividend program to a basic income for all youth in the province and introduced the first rural basic income. He also improved emergency medical services with the introduction of 'Doctor Helicopters' and protected residents during the COVID-19 crisis, transforming the Democratic Party into a capable governing party.

Lee asserted, "Now is the time to create a new future for South Korea. We must address the economic imbalances in our society through fair and transformative growth. I will boldly change all sectors, including science and technology, industry, education, land, public services, and finance, to align with our envisioned future. We will pursue 'real growth' that enhances our growth potential rather than artificial and imitative 'fake growth.'"

He also promised to eliminate the 'Korea Discount' and usher in a new era for the KOSPI, creating a fair and transparent market where citizens can invest with confidence.

"We are at the dawn of a new chapter in South Korean history. The long darkness is lifting, and a historic morning of renewed progress is approaching. The transformation from despair to hope, division to unity, and stagnation to growth begins with your vote," he declared.

Lee concluded by pledging to honor the people's will and create a nation where opportunities are given based on effort. He quoted former President Kim Dae-jung, saying, "A conscience that does not act is on the side of evil. Now is the time to act." He urged voters, "Your vote can change history and protect democracy. Your choice will determine the nation and its future. Trust me, Lee Jae-myung, a diligent and capable worker who has delivered results through action. Together with the great people, we will create a 'real South Korea.'"