[On-site in] Lee Jae-myung emphasizes unity, saying "After the election, we must all live hand in hand... Yoon also worked hard" at final campaign in Hongdae street

On the 8th, street campaign at Hongdae immediately after a focused rally at Cheonggye Plaza
Lee: "We must accept and unite regardless of the outcome"
"Candidate Yoon and supporters, as well as other candidates and their supporters, all worked hard"
Q&A and photo session with citizens after the campaign

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, held a street campaign in front of Hongdae after finishing a concentrated rally at Cheonggye Plaza on the 8th. The candidate emphasized national unity, saying, "We must all live together hand in hand even after the presidential election." / Photo by Ki-min Lee victor.lee@

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized public sentiment unity on the 8th, stating, "Even though we compete during elections, we are all citizens of the Republic of Korea, and after the election, we must all join hands and live together in the space called Korea."

On the day of the official campaign's final rally at Cheonggye Plaza and the subsequent campaign on the streets of Hongdae, Lee said, "After the day after tomorrow (the 10th), when the decision about our country's future is made, someone will be responsible for the fate of our Republic of Korea and the future of its people for the next five years."

This message is interpreted as a call for efforts toward national unity after the intense competition among candidates and their supporters during the presidential election period. He particularly stressed, "Whatever the outcome, I hope everyone will willingly accept it, and from then on, look beyond differences with the elected leader, see the same things, and unite with the thought that we are all the same citizens to move forward into the future."

He also extended words to his competitor, Yoon Seok-youl of the People Power Party, saying, "Candidate Yoon, you have worked hard. To the supporters of Candidate Yoon who have put in more passion and dedication than anyone else, and to the majority of presidential candidates and their supporters, I offer my consolation."

After a brief rally, Lee handed the microphone to citizens and continued a Q&A session. A citizen who introduced herself as a young female farmer growing organic pears encouraged him, saying, "Please become president so that we can continue eco-friendly farming."

Lee responded, "Supporting eco-friendly farming is important, but first, we must ensure the competitiveness of our agricultural products. We should label genetically modified organisms (GMO) so people can choose. Secondly, we need to promote organic farming. If cheap pesticides are imported and sold as domestic organic products, it becomes hard to distinguish. By strictly regulating this and enabling domestic agricultural products to be traded at higher prices, farmers can survive, the public stays healthy, and we can protect agriculture as a strategic security industry. I will make sure of that."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

When a supporter asked, "Will you install closed-circuit television (CCTV) in the Blue House?" Lee smiled and replied, "It will probably be impossible due to security issues," but added, "For the Blue House, I will open up areas that do not require security so people can freely come and go. It's not difficult."

A citizen who introduced himself as a young person from Jeonju requested, "Please make it so that young people can live without leaving the provinces, and protect activist Park Ji-hyun to resolve gender conflicts." Lee responded, "I have been advocating for balanced development and strengthening local autonomy for over ten years. That must be done. Only then will the country develop and grow."

Regarding male-female conflicts, Lee said, "The reason for dividing men and women is because the structural gender inequality and its entrenchment, which have been passed down for a long time in our country, have not been resolved. Moreover, unlike the older generation, our youth live in a low-growth society where competition is fierce. Like in Squid Game, someone has to be eliminated. This division has extended to men and women as well."

He continued, "To solve the problem itself, it is important to address the lack of opportunities and awareness issues and to have the belief that all humans are equal. The first step to solving this problem is to become a society where growth is restored."

Park Ji-hyun, the Democratic Party's Special Committee on Digital Sexual Crimes member mentioned that day, is known for her work with the 'Tracking Team Bulkkot' that investigated the 'Nth Room case.' Called to the podium by Lee, Park said, "To create a society where we can comfortably use the restroom, live safely in daily life, and not be asked during interviews when we will have a baby or get married, we must elect Lee Jae-myung."

After the street rally, Lee walked the Hongdae streets with Kim Dong-yeon, leader of the New Wave party, until midnight on the 9th when the campaign officially ended. Supporters and passersby who wanted to see Lee up close held up messages and placards, taking photos with him.