Lee Nak-yeon "Will Resolve New Airport Issue" Lee Hae-chan "Cannot Reveal Gwangju Truth Due to United Future Party Opposition"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Park Cheol-eung, Im Chun-han, Jeon Jin-young] The leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea visited Busan and Gwangju on the 8th, promising to resolve local issues and making every effort to win the votes of Yeongnam and Honam regions.

Lee Nak-yeon, the head of the Democratic Party's election committee, said during a support rally held at Seomyeon Station in Busan, "It is urgent for Busan to develop in line with its status as the second city and gateway of the Republic of Korea, not only for Busan's future but also for another leap forward for Korea." He added, "From that perspective, the Democratic Party, together with the government, will solve various issues Busan faces, including the new airport issue and the long-standing wishes of Busan citizens."

He also mentioned COVID-19 prevention and economic contraction, saying, "To win these two wars, we must not hate each other but unite our hearts and wisdom to overcome this crisis together, and we must alleviate the suffering experienced by the people as soon as possible." He urged, "I ask the citizens of Busan to elect people who work, not those who fight, this time."

Starting with a support rally at Namhang Market in Jung-gu and Yeongdo (candidate Kim Bi-o), he visited Jin-gu Gap (candidate Kim Young-chun), Jin-gu Eul (candidate Ryu Young-jin), and Sasang (candidate Bae Jae-jung) consecutively to empower the candidates. At Namhang Market, he visited restaurants and shops, appealing for support by saying, "Let our candidate Kim Bi-o work. He will work with me."

Regarding candidate Kim Young-chun, Lee said, "He is a leader essential not only for Busan but also for Korea's future." About candidate Ryu Young-jin, he said, "He is a medical expert required by this era." For candidate Kang Jun-seok (Nam-gu Gap), he said, "As a marine and fisheries expert, he is a necessary candidate for Busan, the marine and fisheries capital." About candidate Park Sung-hyun (Dongnae), he said, "He is a person who has properly learned politics," mentioning each candidate's strengths one by one.

Also, Lee Hae-chan, the Democratic Party leader, held an election strategy meeting in Gwangju and said, "This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Gwangju Democratic Uprising. I apologize that the truth about Gwangju has not been revealed in the 20th National Assembly due to the opposition of the United Future Party."

He continued, "Since there are no proportional representation candidates from the Democratic Party in this election, it is important to increase the proportional votes for the Together Citizens Party," adding, "The Citizens Party is a coalition party that will merge with the Democratic Party. It cannot merge with other parties." This appears to be a remark targeting the Open Democratic Party.

Lee emphasized, "It originally goes against the purpose of the mixed-member proportional representation system. They have big speakers and are not politically weak, and if they take seats, minorities will lose their places."