"Citizens Who Protected Korea Form a Support Committee"
Kim Song-hee, a citizen who ran to protect the National Assembly during the December 3 emergency martial law, has been appointed as the chairman of the support committee for Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential primary candidate. This move breaks the convention of having prominent figures serve as support committee chairs.
Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding the 'Vision Declaration Ceremony and Campaign Schedule Announcement' introducing the ruling blueprint, etc., at the National Assembly Communication Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News
At the launch ceremony of the support committee held on the morning of the 12th at Lee Jae-myung’s campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul, the committee stated, "We will dedicate ourselves to the will of citizens dreaming of the restoration of democracy and a new Republic of Korea from our respective positions."
Kim, who was appointed as the chairman, ran to the National Assembly during the December 3 emergency martial law last year after telling her son, "If you don’t hear from me by tomorrow morning, assume I’m dead," and continued to guard the square even after the martial law was lifted.
Kim is also a bereaved family member of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising, having confronted martial law troops in Gwangju in May 1980 and lost her older brother to their gunfire. She said, "I have not been able to read Han Kang’s book 'The Boy Who Escaped' because it is too painful," and added, "I hope this candidate becomes president so we can return to peaceful daily life."
On the 12th, at the launch event of the 21st presidential election preliminary candidate Lee Jae-myung's support committee held at the Yongsan Building in Seoul, Kim Song-hee, who came to Seoul to protect the National Assembly during the emergency martial law on December 3, was appointed as the new chairman of the support committee and is speaking. Photo by Yonhap News
The campaign explained, "This reflects the participants’ will to create a support committee led by citizens who protected the Republic of Korea, breaking the convention of having prominent figures as chairs."
Support committee operating members include singer Maya, known for the song "Azaleas," composer Yoon Il-sang, former director of the National Gwacheon Science Museum Lee Jung-mo, psychiatrist Kang Do-hyung, and film director Jo Jung-rae. The committee auditors are Baek Da-eun, a university student who participated in the Namtaeryeong protests, and lawyer Kim Dae-sik.
Yoon Ho-jung, the campaign’s election committee chairman, emphasized on the day, "I ask each and every one gathered here to become the 'first movers' who will lead not only the primary victory but also the overwhelming victory in the June 3 presidential election." The support committee plans to announce specific support methods next week after a preparation process.
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