Appealing for Democratic Party Support in Chungcheong Region Holding the Casting Vote
Lee Jae-myung in Cheongju: "I Have a Special Interest in Chungcheong"
Verbal Exchanges and Shouting Among Citizens at Chungju Market
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited the Chungbuk region and repeatedly criticized the government and ruling party, attempting to "win over the hearts" of voters in this conservative-leaning area.
On the afternoon of the 27th, Lee held an on-site press conference in Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju City, stating, "I believe the people will show that a regime that betrays the people will surely be judged," and emphasized, "The power we have entrusted and the finances we have paid with our hard-earned money should be used solely for the people, but the reality is that this is not happening." He continued, "While individuals can strive for a happier life, making politics work properly is a faster and easier way," and criticized, "Cutting taxes for the rich and reducing budgets that support ordinary citizens like now is causing neighborhoods to wither."
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is greeting citizens from above street facilities during his visit to a commercial area in Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk on the 27th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Regarding the medical sector strike, he pointed out, "A medical crisis is unfolding, with doctors who protected hospitals dying from overwork," and criticized, "The president fixed the medical school expansion at 2,000 students and forcibly proceeded with university allocations, which makes it impossible to persuade and reach a compromise with the medical community." He added, "(The government) neglected the essential issues of expanding essential, public, and regional medical services and obsessed only with increasing the number by 2,000," and mentioned, "If all science and engineering personnel shift to medical schools, there will be a problem of how to handle the science and engineering sector."
Earlier, Lee had visited Chungju City to announce the 'Five Basic Social Policy Pledges.' When asked about the significance of announcing the pledges in Chungju, he said, "I wanted to show that the Democratic Party pays special attention to the Chungcheong region, which is called the election barometer of South Korea." He explained, "It is not usually easy for the Central Election Committee to visit Chungju," and added, "This was to express interest in the somewhat slower-developing Chungju area within Chungcheong." He also mentioned, "Personally, it is also my wife's hometown."
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, along with Yoon Young-duk and Baek Seung-ah, co-leaders of the Democratic Coalition, are attending the joint on-site election strategy committee meeting held on the 27th at the election office of candidate Kim Kyung-wook in Chungju, Chungbuk. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Shortly after announcing the pledges, a disturbance broke out at Muhak Market in Chungju due to citizen backlash. While Lee was speaking at Muhak Market in Bongbang-dong, Chungju City, a citizen shouted, "Lee Jae-myung, the most shameful from Andong, Gyeongbuk," and was escorted out. During the continued speech, another citizen shouted obscenities and yelled, "Let's just pass by," prompting security personnel to intervene. In response, Lee said, "This is the biggest problem in our society; we must acknowledge differences," and added, "Our society is becoming a place of conflict and confrontation."
Furthermore, he stated, "Chungju has reverted to a conservative city, but I urge you to honestly reflect on the past period," and said, "If you think about who truly worked for Chungju, you will reach a conclusion." He added, "If you vote just because of the same color or because they are from our neighborhood, our lives will be ruined," and said, "On April 10, you must choose someone who genuinely cares for the lives of Chungju citizens and the people, so that your livelihood can flourish."
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