Yoo Jeong-bok on Lee Jae-myung's statement "I will become the real president": "Divisive and low-level politics"

Mayor Yoo: "We Will Build a Prosperous Korea Beyond Regions and Ideologies"

Yoo Jeong-bok, mayor of Incheon who entered the People Power Party presidential primary, criticized former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung's declaration of candidacy on the 13th, in which he said he would become "the real president of the real Republic of Korea," calling it "low-level politics that divide and split the people."

After paying respects at the National Seoul National Cemetery on the same day, Mayor Yoo held a press conference and said, "Lee Jae-myung's statement that he would become 'the real president of the real Republic of Korea' reveals his identity as someone who views the past Republic of Korea as fake," adding, "This is a blasphemy that insults the patriotic spirits."

He continued, "Labeling the past of the Republic of Korea as fake is low-level politics that divides the people," emphasizing, "Now, beyond regions and ideologies, we will surely achieve a more prosperous Republic of Korea with hope for all."

About 100 people, including Kim Yu-gwang, senior vice chairman of the Syngman Rhee Presidential Memorial Association, people with disabilities, war veterans, and supporters, accompanied Mayor Yoo on his visit to the National Cemetery. Mayor Yoo paid respects at the graves of former Presidents Syngman Rhee, Park Chung-hee, Kim Young-sam, and Kim Dae-jung.

In the guestbook, Mayor Yoo wrote, "Honoring the sacrifices and dedication of patriotic ancestors, engraving the achievements of past presidents in my heart, I will open an era of great national unity that connects the people as one Republic of Korea."

Following a salute and moment of silence to the patriotic spirits at the Memorial Tower, Mayor Yoo paid respects again at the graves of former Presidents Syngman Rhee, Park Chung-hee, Kim Young-sam, and Kim Dae-jung. He plans to visit the grave of former President Roh Moo-hyun soon as well.