Lee Nak-yeon "Overcome National Crisis Together"... Hwang Kyo-ahn "Moon Administration is a Disaster Regime"

In the 21st National Assembly election, Lee Nak-yeon, the Democratic Party candidate (photo above), is appealing for support in the alleys of Pyeongchang-dong on the 3rd, while Hwang Kyo-ahn, the United Future Party candidate, is doing the same at the Dongmyo Station intersection in Changsin 2-dong. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the second day of the official election campaign for the April 15 general election, April 3, Lee Nak-yeon, the Standing Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Hwang Kyo-ahn, the leader of the United Future Party, sought to capture votes in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where they are running. Chairman Lee appealed for support by shouting "Overcome the national crisis," while Leader Hwang called for "Judgment on the regime."

Dressed in a blue Democratic Party jumper and sneakers, Chairman Lee visited Pyeongchang-dong at 5 p.m. that day. As Lee climbed onto the campaign vehicle and took the microphone, supporters continuously cheered while calling his name. The campaign vehicle bore messages such as "Protecting the People! Democratic Party of Korea."

Chairman Lee expressed his determination to overcome the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). He said, "We are fighting to overcome both the infectious disease COVID-19 and the economic contraction caused by it. To put it simply, the Republic of Korea will win both of these battles," adding, "We will focus on overcoming the COVID-19 national crisis while engaging in the election."

His pledges included ▲ undergrounding power lines in Pyeongchang-dong ▲ securing creative spaces for young artists ▲ building a youth center. Chairman Lee mentioned Leader Hwang’s pledge to extend the Shinbundang Line, saying, "Fortunately, the opposing candidate promised the same thing. Wouldn't it be easier if both of us worked together?" He also said, "I would like to take this opportunity to ask him to help fulfill my pledge."

After the speech, as he went out for street campaigning, supporters gathered around Chairman Lee, shouting messages of encouragement such as "Stay strong! Fighting!" Some supporters also requested to take photos with him.

In the 21st National Assembly election, Lee Nak-yeon, the Democratic Party candidate contesting in Jongno, Seoul (left in the photo), took commemorative photos with citizens during a street campaign in Pyeongchang-dong on the 3rd, while Hwang Kyo-ahn, the United Future Party candidate, received a cheer message and candy from a child during a street campaign in Hyehwa-dong. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Leader Hwang also visited the area near Dongmyo Station in Changsin-dong, Jongno-gu, at 11 a.m. that day. Wearing a comfortable outfit including a 'Happy Pink' colored jumper and gray sneakers, Leader Hwang greeted supporters with fist bumps as soon as he arrived.

Amid cheers from supporters, Leader Hwang began his speech on the campaign vehicle with criticism directed at the Moon Jae-in administration. The campaign vehicle displayed slogans such as "Judgment on the regime!" and "Cheer up Jongno! Change to survive!"

He described the Moon Jae-in administration as a "disastrous regime," saying, "The economy has collapsed. Jobs are disappearing, and the ones suffering the most are our sons and daughters. Looking at the government's job statistics, most jobs are short-term part-time positions. Is this normal?" he criticized.

Leader Hwang continued, "The Moon Jae-in administration is showing total chaos. We must definitely judge this regime. We must stop the tyranny of this regime," emphasizing, "We must achieve a landslide victory in this general election to create the livable country we dream of."

At this event, Leader Hwang also presented tailored pledges for Changsin and Sungin-dong, including ▲ designation of a special zone for the sewing industry ▲ promotion of customized urban development projects ▲ installation of alley-type parking facilities.

After Leader Hwang’s speech ended, supporters repeatedly shouted his name and cheered. Some supporters applauded and shouted "The real deal" to support him. After stepping down from the campaign vehicle and conducting street campaigning, supporters showed their support by requesting photos and autographs.

On the 3rd, at the Dongmyo Station intersection in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Lee Nak-yeon, the Democratic Party candidate challenging for the Seoul Jongno National Assembly seat, and Hwang Kyo-ahn, the United Future Party candidate, along with their campaign staff, are appealing to commuters for support.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Voters’ views on the two candidates differ. Ha Jae-hee (73), who runs a store in Buam-dong, said, "Lee Nak-yeon has principles and a good character. I often see lawmakers yelling on TV, but Lee Nak-yeon is not like that," adding, "It is an honor that Lee Nak-yeon is running in Jongno."

Kim (63), whom we met in Changsin-dong, shouted, "Unconditionally Hwang Kyo-ahn." He said, "What has the Moon Jae-in administration done well? Not long ago, I waited in line for two hours to get two masks," adding, "The mask shortage has improved now, but it is true that life has become difficult because of this administration."

There were also critical reactions to Leader Hwang’s recent verbal slips. Kim (55), a taxi driver met in Buam-dong, said, "I was originally a supporter of the United Future Party. But this general election is obviously Lee Nak-yeon’s," criticizing, "Hwang Kyo-ahn keeps making verbal mistakes. If you make a mistake, you should clearly admit it, but he doesn’t show that side, and his apologies lack sincerity."