In Memory of DJ on the 13th Anniversary, Lee Jae-myung Says "I Will Definitely Build a Strong and Competent Democratic Party"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, commemorated the 13th anniversary of former President Kim Dae-jung's passing on the 18th, saying, "I will also keep moving forward without pause, following the path that the President pioneered," and added, "I will definitely build a strong and competent Democratic Party that possesses both 'merchant-like practical sense and scholar-like awareness of issues."

On the same day, the candidate said through social media (SNS), "The path of Kim Dae-jung is the path of a winning Democratic Party."

He quoted a statement from former President Kim's speech at the Japanese National Diet, saying, "'Miracles do not happen miraculously,'" and stated, "Creating a better life for the people and pioneering the nation's future does not come automatically just by dreaming or receiving hope as a gift."

He continued, "With the leadership of unity that overcame the IMF economic crisis together with the people, the insight and competence that laid the foundation for a welfare state and a cultural powerhouse, and the courage and determination of the President who opened the era of peace on the Korean Peninsula, we have come this far," and evaluated, "Despite spending most of his life in hardship and adversity, including five near-death experiences, 55 house arrests, six years of imprisonment, and 777 days of overseas exile, he never gave up the belief that politics can change the lives of the people."

Candidate Lee emphasized, "No matter what ups and downs life has gone through or what trials lie ahead, how can it be compared to the life of President Kim Dae-jung?" and stressed, "I will not forget that only by enduring harsh trials and persevering step by step can one finally bloom like the indongcho (Hylotelephium spectabile) flower."