Lee Jun-seok Moves to Secure Swing Voters... Visits Bongha Village to Pay Respects at Roh's Tomb

Emphasis on Willingness for Unity Beyond Partisan Logic... Also Visit by Kwon Yang-sook

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, is saluting the national flag on the 25th at the 71st anniversary central event of the Korean War held at the Busan Cinema Center. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporters Kum Boryeong and Park Juni] Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, is solidifying the 'centrist vote' ahead of next year's presidential election by visiting Bongha Village on the 25th. On the afternoon of the same day, Lee plans to visit Bongha Village, where the late former President Roh Moo-hyun's tomb is located, to pay his respects. He will also pay a courtesy visit to Mrs. Kwon Yang-sook. After visiting the tombs of former Presidents Rhee Syngman, Park Chung-hee, Kim Young-sam, and Kim Dae-jung at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery on the 16th, Lee mentioned, "I will visit former President Roh in Bongha Village if I get the chance." This is interpreted as his intention to attract centrist voters by demonstrating a spirit of unity beyond partisan logic.

Since his inauguration on the 14th, Lee’s actions have strongly reflected a 'great unity' stance. On his first day in office, he visited Gwangju and expressed empathy for the painful history of Gwangju, initiating efforts to 'embrace Honam.' Three days later, on the 17th, he continued the 'Westward (Seojin) Policy' focusing on revitalizing the Honam economy by visiting the Saemangeum project site in Gunsan, Jeonbuk. Additionally, on the 23rd, he visited Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, showing a flexible attitude by reflecting on past mistakes.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of the June 25th War Memorial Day, opposition party leaders collectively emphasized 'security.' On the morning of the same day, Lee attended the 71st anniversary ceremony of the June 25th War held at the Busan Cinema Center. In a phone interview with Asia Economy, Lee said, "I attended this event with the conviction not to forget the sacrifice and dedication," adding, "Just attending the ceremony itself will be meaningful."

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, has also been focusing on the values of 'security' and 'veterans' since June. On the afternoon of the same day, Ahn attended the first anniversary memorial service for the late General Paik Sun-yup held in Chilgok, Gyeongbuk. He plans to visit Shiri Park and Baekgol Park in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, on the 29th to tour the sniper ridge site where the remains of soldiers who died in the June 25th War were excavated. On Facebook that day, he emphasized the message, "There can be no division between ruling and opposition parties, progressives and conservatives when it comes to protecting the Republic of Korea," and added, "We must be grateful to the patriotic spirits and veterans who devoted their lives for the country and strengthen our security awareness."