"Not Honam's Backyard but a Switch" Solidifying Support Base 100 Days Before Presidential Election
Hundreds of Supporters Gather, Chanting "We Support Lee Jae-myung" Repeatedly
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, visited the 'Yeonggwang Terminal Market' in Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, as the final schedule of his visit to Honam on the afternoon of the 28th.
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] "I will revive the economy and achieve balanced national development."
Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, highlighted his image as an "economic president" by visiting Yeonggwang, Jeonnam, the hometown of former party leader Lee Nak-yeon, where fierce primary battles took place, as the final schedule of his Honam visit on the 28th.
At Yeonggwang Terminal Market, Lee gave an impromptu speech for about 10 minutes, emphasizing, "The local areas will thrive if the economy is revived, and young people will not fight divided by gender."
He targeted Yoon Seok-youl, the candidate of the People Power Party, shouting, "Who is the competent president who will build the country with ability, not empty words?"
He continued, "State affairs are truly complicated and require deep consideration," adding, "It is not easy to gather all expert opinions," and said, "You cannot become competent by cramming overnight, and can you properly lead the future of this country with the mindset of just judging?" thereby casting a check.
He also added, "Even while serving as governor of Gyeonggi Province, I advocated for balanced development, relocation of public enterprises to local areas, expansion of local fiscal investment, and infrastructure."
"Honam is not a stronghold of the Democratic Party but a disciplinary whip."
From Lee’s perspective, who needs to secure an overwhelming vote of over 90% in Honam to win the presidential election, it was also seen as an effort to firmly establish his support base.
He said, "I have given a lot of harsh criticism to the Democratic Party with the heart of a parent who loves their children," and pledged, "I will deeply reflect and strongly practice as a new and innovative Democratic Party going forward."
The anticipated "surprise meeting" in Yeonggwang, the hometown of former leader Lee Nak-yeon and a key point of interest, did not occur as expected. It is interpreted that the conflict with former leader Lee, caused by controversies such as invalid votes during the party primary, has not been fully resolved.
Seemingly aware of this, Lee mentioned, "I bought Yeonggwang dried yellow corvina and wild asparagus, and I will think of Yeonggwang while grilling and enjoying them, and also think of former leader Lee born in Yeonggwang County." Beside him, Representative Lee Gae-ho (Damyang, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, Jangseong) followed to provide support.
Hundreds of supporters shouted the slogan "Lee Jae-myung can do it" as if spitting it out and gave thumbs-up gestures (raising the thumb while clenching the fist).
Mostly middle-aged and older generations were seen rather than the 2030 generation, and they became united as "people who have never met" by sticking stickers parodying "Yoon Seok-youl dog apple" or holding placards with phrases like "Korea is making a great transformation."
At around 3:10 p.m., when Lee appeared at the market, they poured out enthusiastic cheers and generous applause. One supporter warmly welcomed him by hanging a bouquet.
The atmosphere heated up instantly, and as everyone busily moved "to see a little closer," they got tangled with each other, causing confusion.
Surrounded by the crowd, Lee shook hands, hugged, and took commemorative photos with supporters, greeting each one individually.
Park Hyun (65, female) said, "I can’t say Lee Jae-myung’s approval rating has risen significantly, but I support him because I feel his sincerity to dedicate himself to the country," and evaluated, "At first, I viewed the Daejang-dong suspicion with doubtful eyes, but I think he handled it well."
Kim Seung-joo (25) said, "There is talk that the 2030 generation likes Representative Hong Joon-pyo, but I came running from Damyang to show that there are many young people supporting Lee Jae-myung," and added, "I was impressed by his single-mindedness to listen to the voices of ordinary people and develop the economy, overcoming difficult family circumstances."
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