Democratic Party Holds Joint Speech Event for Chungcheong Region Primary on the 19th
Lee: "Daejeon as Science Capital, Chungcheong as Future Industry Hub"
Highlights Ties as "Chungcheong Son-in-law"... "We Must Overcome Rebellion and Usher in a New Morning"
As the Democratic Party's presidential primary kicked off with a joint speech event in the Chungcheong region, former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung declared, "I will complete Sejong as the center of the administrative capital."
At the joint speech event for the Chungcheong region primary held at Cheongju Gymnasium in North Chungcheong Province on the afternoon of the 19th, Lee stated, "As promised, I will complete Sejong as the 'center of the administrative capital' by establishing the National Assembly Sejong Office, the Presidential Sejong Office, and relocating a second round of public institutions." He added, "Although there will be challenges such as constitutional amendments, I will also pursue the complete relocation of the presidential office and the National Assembly through social consensus."
He continued, "I will make Daejeon a global science capital leading K-science and technology, and turn South Chungcheong and North Chungcheong into hubs for future industries by establishing advanced industrial belts." He also said, "I will actively support the creation of an integrated economic zone in the Chungcheong region so that we can grow together."
He emphasized, "Only if Chungcheong thrives can Korea thrive," and added, "I will ease the dominance of the Seoul metropolitan area and restore regional growth engines through bold investments in each region, thereby reducing regional disparities."
The Chungcheong region has long been considered a barometer of centrist public sentiment and has demonstrated strong influence in past presidential elections. The Democratic Party's decision to begin its touring primaries in Chungcheong is seen as a strategic move to win over the region, which often plays the role of a casting vote.
Lee also highlighted the significance of starting the Democratic Party's presidential primary in Chungcheong, saying, "It is particularly meaningful to begin here, because the Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in administrations were all born from Chungcheong's choice." He then asked the audience, "Do you agree that, with Chungcheong's choice, we will surely see the birth of the fourth Democratic government this time?" eliciting a positive response from the crowd.
Lee further emphasized his connection to the region by noting that his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, is originally from Chungju, North Chungcheong, saying, "As a son-in-law of Chungcheong, I, Lee Jae-myung, greet you," highlighting his sense of closeness.
He also stated that a change of government is the only way to correct the current chaos in state affairs. Lee said, "Three years ago, in a decisive battle for the nation's fate, we lost due to my shortcomings. Although they won by a narrow margin and took everything, they have ruined the country and driven the people into suffering."
He continued, "In the midst of that suffering, I reflected more deeply and prepared more thoroughly. The 12·3 military coup sent shockwaves around the world and left the global community in shock, but our great people, through the most peaceful means, defeated the armed martial law troops and the violent regime, transforming shock and fear into awe and admiration."
Lee stated, "Even after the chief instigators of the rebellion were brought to trial and the president was removed from office, the rebellion still continues. We must fully overcome this rebellion and usher in a new morning of complete hope."
He said, "During the IMF crisis, we overcame the national crisis by choosing President Kim Dae-jung; for a new beginning in the new millennium, we chose President Roh Moo-hyun; and for the completion of the Candlelight Revolution, we entrusted President Moon Jae-in. As a member of the Democratic Party, which has the DNA to overcome national crises, and as someone who has turned crises into opportunities, I, Lee Jae-myung, will follow in the footsteps of Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in to establish the fourth Democratic government."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party will continue its touring primaries in the Yeongnam region on the 20th, in the Honam region on the 26th, and in the Seoul metropolitan area on the 27th. The final presidential candidate is scheduled to be confirmed on the 27th. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff will be held, and the candidate will be finalized on the 1st of next month.
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