Lee Jae-myung Announces Candidacy for Incheon Gyeyang-eul... "Cannot Ignore the Party's Difficulties" (Comprehensive)

Press Conference for Candidacy at Gyeyang Mountain, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon
Incheon Local Lawmakers Including Yudongsu, Heo Jongsik, and Maeng Seonggyu Attend
"It Is True That We Were Negative About Early Return"
"The Way to Take Responsibility for the Presidential Election Result Is to Open a Path for the Party and Candidate"
"We Will Bring Change Once Again in the National Assembly"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] Former Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung officially declared his candidacy as the Democratic Party candidate for the Incheon Gyeyang-eul National Assembly by-election scheduled for June 8.

On the same day, Lee held a press conference at the outdoor performance hall of Gyeyang Mountain in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, stating, “There were many advices to keep distance from the local elections considering my political safety, and it is true that I was also negative about an early return,” but added, “I could not ignore the difficulties the party is facing and the precarious situation of the local elections. After deep consideration, I decided to take a risky direct breakthrough to support the Democratic Party in crisis and lead the difficult local elections to victory.”

At the event, Democratic Party lawmakers representing Incheon, including Yoo Dong-su (Incheon Gyeyang-gap), Heo Jong-sik (Incheon Dong-gu Michuhol-gap), and Maeng Seong-gyu (Incheon Namdong-gu-gap), as well as candidates running for district mayor in this local election, were present. Supporters chanted “Lee Jae-myung” and took commemorative photos with the former governor.

Lee also said, “I do not deny that the excessive slander and groundless attacks by the People Power Party to block my candidacy were also a factor in my decision,” adding, “Fighting at times, places, and in ways the opponent does not want can also be the way to win.” He further stated, “I will throw everything I have to win starting from Incheon and lead a nationwide majority victory.”

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also emphasized responsibility by referring to the recent presidential election defeat. He said, “How can a person be without personal gains or calculations, but as a representative entrusted with the people’s affairs, I firmly believe the responsibility is much greater,” and added, “I will fulfill my responsibility.” He also said, “The responsibility for the presidential election result lies with me,” and explained, “The way to take responsibility is to open a small path for the party and candidates in difficulty and to create even a faint hope for many people who still cannot turn on their TVs.”

He continued, “In the last presidential election, the judge was chosen but the capable worker was not,” and appealed for support, saying, “In this local election, a worker, not a judge, must be chosen so that checks and balances and ‘competition to do well’ are possible.”

He also emphasized his administrative experience, saying, “I want to show practical politics that keep promises to the people through legislation and government inspection in the National Assembly together with a rational and strong Democratic Party. Just as I have changed local governments by proving ability through achievements, I will bring about change once again in the National Assembly.”

Lee mentioned development plans for Incheon Gyeyang-eul. He said, “With the experience of successfully developing Pangyo Techno Valley, I will surely make the Gyeyang district, which spans one million pyeong, a Techno Valley centered on advanced industries,” promising to attract companies and create jobs. He added, “Following Song Young-gil, Lee Jae-myung will make Gyeyang-eul the new center of Korean politics.”