Democratic Party's Lee Jaemyung, Kim Kyungsoo, and Kim Dongyeon Seek Votes in Gwangju (Comprehensive)

Appealing for Support with the Spirit of May 18 and Kim Daejung
All Three Candidates Pledge: "Unity as One Team After the Primary"

The three presidential primary candidates of the Democratic Party of Korea gathered in Gwangju and invoked the "spirit of Honam." On April 26, at the Honam region joint rally held at the Kim Daejung Convention Center in Gwangju, candidates Lee Jaemyung, Kim Kyungsoo, and Kim Dongyeon appealed for support by highlighting the legacy of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement and former President Kim Daejung, focusing all their efforts on winning the hearts of party members.

(From left) Lee Jaemyung, Kim Kyungsoo, and Kim Dongyeon, presidential primary candidates of the Democratic Party of Korea, raise their hands together to greet at the "Joint Speech Meeting for the Selection of the 21st Presidential Election Candidates in Honam Region" held on the 26th at the Kim Daejung Convention Center in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News

Candidate Lee Jaemyung stated, "Throughout the 70-year history of the Democratic Party, the great Honam region has been the driving force that made the party truly democratic," and appealed, "Once again, I ask Honam to choose Lee Jaemyung and help establish the fourth democratic government." He emphasized, "It was because of Honam that democracy, peace, and national unity were possible," mentioning former Presidents Kim Daejung, Roh Moo Hyun, and Moon Jae In.

Candidate Kim Kyungsoo introduced himself as "Candidate number 2, Kim Kyungsoo, the number associated with the Democratic Party's victories and with Presidents Kim Daejung and Roh Moo Hyun," and described himself as "the son-in-law of Honam." He stated, "We must not take the support of the Democratic Party for granted," and pledged, "To overcome regionalism, I will ensure the establishment of five major metropolitan autonomous governments nationwide."

Candidate Kim Dongyeon focused on overcoming the economic crisis. He said, "The spirit of Gwangju has once again saved the nation," and vowed, "With the choice of Honam, I will become a confident president for the economy and overcome this crisis." He further appealed, "I am confident in my competitiveness in the main election, national unity, and economic recovery. Please give Kim Dongyeon a chance."

Democratic Party presidential primary candidates Lee Jae Myung, Kim Kyung Soo, and Kim Dong Yeon raise their joined hands at the Honam region joint rally held at the Kim Dae Jung Convention Center in Gwangju on the afternoon of the 26th. Photo by Song Bohyun

The three candidates emphasized "one team" and pledged unity after the primary. Candidate Lee expressed "active agreement and deep empathy" for the regional pledges of the other two candidates. Candidate Kim Kyungsoo declared, "I will achieve an overwhelming victory." Candidate Kim Dongyeon also stated, "Let us now part ways with the language of division."

The Democratic Party of Korea is scheduled to announce the results of the Honam region rights party members and national delegates vote following the joint rally held on this day.