On the Eve of May 18, Lee Jae-myung Visits Gwangju: "If We Don't Give Up and Unite, We Can Win"

"Let There Be No More Conflicts Over Singing the March for the Beloved"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] On the day before the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, Lee Jae-myung, the General Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, who visited Gwangju, said, "If you vote, you win," adding, "If we do not give up and unite to participate together, we can win."

On the 17th, after visiting the May 18 old cemetery in Gwangju, Chairman Lee spoke with reporters about his impressions of visiting Gwangju. He said, "I was a university student from a working-class background dreaming of personal success, but after learning the truth about the May 18 Gwangju incident at university, I was heartbroken and resentful to realize that I had been deceived by power and the media and had participated in secondary harm by blaming the wronged victims," adding, "Beyond my personal life, I decided to live a public life, and since this became an opportunity for me to be socially reborn, Gwangju is my social mother."

Regarding his defeat in the last presidential election despite overwhelming support in Gwangju and the Honam region, he said, "It was due to my lack of preparation," and added, "I cannot deny responsibility for the difficulties the Democratic Party is currently facing or for the challenges faced by capable and excellent candidates. In any situation, I must take responsibility, so to the people who hope for progressive reform in the Democratic Party and to the candidates, if I can be even a tiny bit of help, I will do everything I can, setting aside personal political calculations."

Chairman Lee said, "Now, I hope the election will be about choosing competent workers beyond just judgment, and that the balance between judges and capable workers will stabilize state affairs, leading to national stability and improved livelihoods through healthy competition."

Regarding President Yoon Seok-yeol and members of the People Power Party attending the May 18 commemoration ceremony, he said, "I am glad that many people will participate in this year's Gwangju May 18 commemoration," and added, "I have a small hope that we will no longer create public conflict over whether or not to sing the 'March for the Beloved'."