Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, appealed for support on the 24th, stating that he would push for the pilot introduction of a 'Resident Basic Income' using local government budgets in Gokseong and Yeonggwang, Jeollanam-do, where the October 16 by-elections are being held.
On the same day, at the Gokseong County branch of the Korea Senior Citizens Association in Jeonnam, Lee said, "In Sinan County, Jeonnam, there is a 'Sunlight Pension' where profits from solar power generation are distributed to residents," adding, "If policies are created by distributing profits from renewable energy like this, wouldn't it become a very livable neighborhood?"
He added, "If (local government) budgets are saved and basic income is paid quarterly in local currency, neighborhood stores will revive, and it will also help senior citizen support projects."
Lee also introduced his ties with Jeonnam and addressed the issue of neglect. He said, "Jeonnam is like a mother to the Democratic Party, but you may have felt that we were like insufficient children," adding, "There was arrogance in thinking that once we pass the preliminary round, the final round would be easy to win, and we lacked a sense of fear toward the residents."
He continued, "I no longer consider this place a stronghold. I regard your opinions as a 'bamboo stick' (a disciplinary tool)," and said, "Until now, we reluctantly supported with the feeling of 'hate but once again,' but from now on, we will make it so that you can support the Democratic Party candidate saying, 'Indeed, this is our child.'" After visiting the Senior Citizens Association, Lee visited a local agricultural cooperative to discuss measures to stabilize rice prices.
The reason Lee is focusing on the basic local government head elections is interpreted as an effort to solidify party leadership as the first election under the second-term leadership system, as well as to serve as a barometer for stable national governance. In particular, it is also a significant response to the challenge from the National Innovation Party in Honam, a Democratic Party stronghold. The Innovation Party recorded high support rates in Honam during the April general election and is seen as having a chance to win in this by-election.
Before the on-site Supreme Council meeting in Yeonggwang the day before, Lee said, "If the results come out a bit strangely, the entire Democratic Party leadership system could face a crisis." Despite being a small-scale by-election, the election results carry considerable significance. Meanwhile, he is scheduled to visit market merchants in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, a by-election area, in the afternoon on the same day.
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