Lee Jae-myung: "The Best Decision in My Life? Marrying Kim Hye-kyung"

"Kim Hye-kyung, Bright and Cheerful... Enjoyed the Time Together"
"Happiest Moment? When Chatting Comfortably with My Wife"

Presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung and his spouse making a finger heart greeting to Busan citizens. [Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, revealed the story behind his marriage with his wife Kim Hye-kyung on the 24th, saying, "If I were to pick the best thing I have done in my life, it would be marrying my wife."

On the same day, Lee posted part of his web autobiography on his official blog. He said, "In 1991, my daily life was filled with defense, visits, consultations, and case analysis. I was so busy running around all day that at night, I would discuss with local activists over soju shots at a shabby bar. Our stories full of frustration never ended, and the regular bar owner would leave us behind and close the shop."

He continued, "Suddenly, I felt the need to end this exhausting routine. And I made a bold plan," adding, "I decided to marry the person I would meet before August ended."

He recalled, "I had five blind dates arranged, and on the third blind date, I met my destined partner. The person I fell in love with at first sight was Kim Hye-kyung."

Lee said, "Every evening, I chased after her to meet. I couldn't stand not seeing her even for a moment. Kim Hye-kyung graduated from Sookmyung Women's University with a major in piano and attended church on Sundays. She was gentle and warm, bright and cheerful. I loved the time spent with her. Many things about her were unfamiliar, but I liked all those unfamiliar things."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, and his wife Kim Hye-kyung are seen conversing with local cultural figures on the 20th at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Cheongju, located in Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also said, "My feelings went straight ahead, and I proposed on the fourth meeting. Kim Hye-kyung laughed as if it was ridiculous. Seeing her laugh, I thought I wasn't rejected. That much, I was captivated by her," adding, "In fact, I have never been so deeply infatuated with anyone in my life."

He continued, "However, even after meeting several more times, Kim Hye-kyung gave no clear answer. I resorted to a last measure. I handed her six diaries covering ten years from when I was fifteen to twenty-four," explaining, "Actually, from the first day we met, I told her everything about my life. I believed I had to honestly show everything about my poor family and relatives without hiding anything. I even took her to meet my siblings at their workplaces."

Furthermore, he said, "Later, she said she gained certainty and trust from my honest self, including the diaries. We got married seven months after meeting," adding, "After the blind date with Kim Hye-kyung, I still had two more blind dates left. At that time, I confessed this fact to Kim Hye-kyung and asked how to handle the blind dates. She gave permission to meet them out of consideration for the people who introduced them, so I went on two more blind dates."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is appealing for support through an impromptu speech on the 24th at Icheon Jungang-ro Cultural Street in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Finally, he said, "I once joked in front of Kim Hye-kyung that the lady I met on the fifth blind date was nice and got scolded. It was a joke, but I deserved to be scolded," and concluded by saying, "The happiest moment is when I comfortably chat with my wife."

Meanwhile, Lee has been serializing his life story in a web autobiography since October last year. He explained the reason for starting the web autobiography, saying, "People who read books about me said, 'Beyond policy competition and political remarks, it would be good to share more of your human side and sincere self with many people,' so I decided to start."