Lee Jae Myung: "The Democratic Party candidate must win"
Kim Kyung Soo: "Support me with the heart of leaving seeds for the future"
Kim Dong Yeon: "The party's diversity must be revived... Please join hands with me"
Lee Jae Myung, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea and a preliminary candidate for the presidential election, emphasized the 'one team spirit' among the primary candidates, stating, "The Democratic Party candidate must win." In contrast, Kim Dong Yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, and Kim Kyung Soo, former Governor of South Gyeongsang Province, who are competing for the second and third highest cumulative vote rates in the primary, appealed for support.
Lee Jae Myung (from left), Kim Dong Yeon, and Kim Kyung Soo, preliminary candidates for the 21st presidential election primary of the Democratic Party of Korea, are taking a commemorative photo before the debate held at the OhmyTV studio in Yeouido, Seoul on April 23, 2025. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
In his closing remarks at the OhmyTV debate for the Democratic Party's 21st presidential election primary candidates on April 23, Lee said, "I have always spoken about the 'one team spirit'?that no matter who becomes the candidate, including the two here, we must win this presidential election." He added, "Achieving victory in the presidential election is both a way to hold them accountable and a path to finding new hope."
Lee stated, "An irresponsible political power that abuses its authority is driving the Republic of Korea into a crisis," and "They continue to protect and embrace the ringleader of the rebellion, persisting in acts that destroy constitutional order." He continued, "The strength to overcome this comes from the people," adding, "While it may seem that politicians do politics, in the end, it is the people who truly do it."
He said, "I have tried to be a faithful instrument of the people, and I hope to continue to do so," adding, "If our people give me the opportunity, I will overcome this national crisis and create a new nation of hope?a true Republic of Korea."
Kim Kyung Soo, former Governor of South Gyeongsang Province, congratulated Lee Jae Myung on achieving the highest cumulative vote rate in the touring primaries, but also earnestly requested, "While voting for a change of government is important, I also ask you to vote for the future of the Democratic Party."
He said, "If you consume even the seed grain, how can you farm in the future?" and added, "I hope you will vote for Kim Kyung Soo with the wisdom of a farmer who leaves seeds for the next season." He also emphasized, "As I have done so far, I will continue to dedicate myself to the success and future of the next democratic government."
Kim Dong Yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, also stated, "The Democratic Party primary cannot continue as it is," and added, "For a greater Democratic Party and a change that goes beyond just a change in government, the diversity and dynamism of the Democratic Party must be revived." He candidly shared the current situation by saying, "There are no incumbent lawmakers standing by my side. I understand the circumstances and difficulties, but sometimes it is hard and challenging."
Governor Kim declared, "I, Kim Dong Yeon, will move forward confidently and boldly, true to myself, looking to the people," and called out, "Please join hands with Kim Dong Yeon for a greater Democratic Party and a change that goes beyond just a change in government."
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