Lee Jae-myung "We Must Advance Basic Society" vs Kim Doo-kwan "Lee Jae-myung Leadership Neglects Yeongnam"

Kim Jisoo "Opportunities Should Be Given Without Discrimination"

In the second week of the Democratic Party's nationwide member convention tour primary, Lee Jae-myung, the party leader candidate, emphasized 'Meoksanism' focusing on people's livelihood. On the other hand, Kim Du-kwan, another candidate for party leader, criticized the feasibility of Lee's pledges while also accusing the Democratic Party of neglecting Yeongnam. Kim Ji-soo, a candidate for party leader, pledged to create a society where opportunities are given without discrimination.

On the morning of the 21st, the second day of the regional primary elections to elect the new leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, candidates Kim Jisoo (from the left), Kim Doo-kwan, and Lee Jae-myung raised their hands to greet party members at the joint speech event held at Hongcheon Sports Complex in Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon Province.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 27th at 10 a.m., at the first joint speech meeting of the Democratic Party's regular nationwide member convention held at Ulsan Munsu Gymnasium, candidate Lee said, "Ulsan, once a symbol of Korea's industrialization and a source of national pride, is facing great difficulties," adding, "We must start again, and the Democratic Party will be at the starting point, with Lee Jae-myung at its center."

He continued, "Our society must now prepare for the future. We must move toward a universal basic society," and stated, "Utilizing tremendous productive capacity, a universal basic society where we all take responsibility for the basic lives of the people is not a dream but our future that we can and must create."

He also emphasized the energy expressway, which he proposed along with his candidacy for party leader. Lee said, "If we lay energy expressways nationwide so that renewable energy can be produced and freely sold anywhere in rural or coastal areas, why would we worry about regional extinction?" He added, "If we produce energy, we can establish an advantage in exports and imports."

Candidate Kim Du-kwan criticized Lee’s proposals to consider easing the financial investment income tax and comprehensive real estate tax. Kim said, "I naturally agree with representing the moderate middle," but added, "Our party is one with great principles and must embrace the socially and economically vulnerable." He continued, "There was a 59 trillion won tax revenue shortfall this year, and it is expected to be 90 trillion won next year," emphasizing, "With what resources will Lee’s Meoksanism be funded?"

Kim also argued that expanding the party’s base would be difficult under Lee’s leadership. He said, "Perhaps because the leadership did not pay much attention to the eastward policy and Yeongnam, even those who served as supreme council members never ran again," and asked, "If the Democratic Party continues to neglect Yeongnam and does not show interest, will the people choose our Democratic Party in the local elections and the next presidential election?"

Candidate Kim Ji-soo emphasized youth and promised to create opportunities without discrimination. Kim said, "I dream of a society where opportunities are given without discrimination," adding, "No matter where you live in Korea, how long your life has been, or what your gender is, we must create a society where opportunities are given without discrimination."