[On-site in] Lee Jae-myung "The People's Judgment Is Always Right" Tearful Closing Ceremony

On the 10th, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate
held the campaign committee disbandment ceremony... 'A Sea of Tears'

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is greeting after concluding a concession press conference at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 10th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is holding a concession press conference for the presidential election on the 10th at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] At 12:54 PM on the 10th, at 7, Gukhoe-daero 68-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, the Democratic Party of Korea Central Party Headquarters. The second-floor main conference room, which was used as a press conference hall, was emptied of desks and chairs, revealing the floor. The portrait of candidate Lee Jae-myung and the catchphrase "From now on, properly for me, Lee Jae-myung" that had been hung on the podium were taken down. Instead, a banner reading "We trust our people. The people are great. The Republic of Korea will advance" was hung.

At 1:48 PM, people gradually gathered at the disbandment ceremony venue. Assemblymen Ahn Min-seok, Cho Seung-rae, Park Ju-min, Kim Byung-wook, and others stood in small groups, exchanging hugs and handshakes. Assemblyman Kim Young-jin entered and greeted the press seated in the press section. At 1:55 PM, as the press, public relations office, election committee members, and aides all gathered, the second-floor meeting room became full of people. At 2 PM, applause was heard, and following Lee Nak-yeon, the General Election Committee Chairman, Song Young-gil, the party leader, Woo Sang-ho, the General Election Headquarters Chief, and Yoon Ho-jung, the floor leader, candidate Lee Jae-myung entered. After nodding to Chairman Lee, the candidate took his seat.

Afterwards, Chairman Lee, Leader Song, and Chief Woo took the stage in that order to share their reflections. When Chief Woo, who was responsible for the practical work of the election committee, choked up, sobbing sounds were heard here and there. Chief Woo clasped and unclasped his hands raised on the podium, struggling to continue speaking. At 2:17 PM, candidate Lee went up to the podium. He took a piece of paper from his jacket pocket and read it.

Candidate Lee said, "You all did your best, but Lee Jae-myung was unable to make up the lacking 0.7%. All responsibility lies with the insufficient candidate." He said, "The judgment of the people is always right. To the people, supporters, and party members, I was lacking," and added, "It was because Lee Jae-myung was insufficient that we lost, not because you did not support." He continued, "I believe this choice now is also a manifestation of the collective intelligence of the people. I sincerely hope that the next government will care for and respect the people, comply with the flow of history, and be a successful government, with a successful president who is evaluated accordingly."

After finishing his announcement, candidate Lee bowed in greeting. Following the planned route, he came down and shook hands with supporters in front of the Democratic Party headquarters, then left the party parking lot at 2:27 PM in a white vehicle.

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, is comforting supporters as he enters the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul on the 10th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, is leaving the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, after concluding a press conference conceding the presidential election on the 10th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@