3rd Joint Speech Held in Gwangju
Final Presidential Candidate to Be Selected
at KINTEX in Gyeonggi on the 27th
The preliminary presidential candidates of the Democratic Party (Jaemyung Lee, Kyungsoo Kim, and Dongyeon Kim, listed in order of ballot number) visited the Honam region, the party's traditional stronghold, on the 26th to appeal for support. Former party leader Jaemyung Lee pledged economic policies to target voters in Honam, former South Gyeongsang Governor Kyungsoo Kim, who referred to himself as the "son-in-law of Honam," addressed the issue of "Honam neglect," and Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim emphasized the need to "break away from the use of the term Subak."
Jaemyung Lee (from left), Kyungsoo Kim, and Dongyeon Kim, preliminary presidential candidates of the Democratic Party, raise their hands together to greet at the "Joint Speech Meeting for the Selection of Candidates for the 21st Presidential Election in the Honam Region" held on the 26th at the Kim Daejung Convention Center in Seo-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News Joint Coverage Team
At the "Joint Speech Meeting for the Selection of Candidates for the 21st Presidential Election in the Honam Region" held at the Kim Daejung Convention Center in Gwangju on this day, former leader Lee stated, "Let us move from Muksanism, which is based on material foundations, to Jalsanism, where a happy life is possible."
He continued, "South Korea achieved the Miracle on the Han River as a follower through imitation," and added, "Now, in this rapidly changing era of advanced science and technology, imitation no longer works.
To survive and win in the harsh international competition, we must now lead the world," he emphasized.
As region-specific pledges, he presented policies to develop Gwangju into an AI-centered city and to establish RE100 industrial complexes across Jeonnam and Jeonbuk. He further stated, "Honam, as a hub connecting maritime and land transportation and a treasure trove of renewable energy such as wind and solar power, will now begin sustainable and balanced development."
Former leader Lee also appealed to the party members in Honam by quoting Admiral Yi Sun-sin's statement, "Without Honam, there is no country." He said, "In the 70-year history of the Democratic Party, Honam has sometimes been a warm mother and at other times a strict teacher with a rod, shaping the Democratic Party into what it is today." He added, "The path walked by former President Kim Daejung from Honam is the path of the Democratic Party and the future of South Korea."
Former South Gyeongsang Governor Kyungsoo Kim highlighted that his wife, Kim Jeongsun, is from Honam, emphasizing his identity as the "son-in-law of Honam." He also promised to dispel the narrative of "Honam neglect."
In particular, he pledged to provide more than 30 trillion won in annual autonomous budgets to the five mega-city autonomous governments. He explained, "Currently, the central government sends 90 trillion won in earmarked budgets to local governments each year," and added, "I propose that even just one-third of that budget be provided without earmarks."
Regarding the December 3, 2023 martial law incident, he said, "Forty-five years ago, Gwangju condemned the rebellion." Former Governor Kim stated, "Because there was judgment against the 5·18 rebellion, we were able to overcome martial law and the rebellion. Gwangju once again saved South Korea's democracy," and emphasized, "This is why the spirit of May 18 Gwangju must be enshrined in the preamble of the Constitution."
He added, "A second Chun Doo-hwan can never be tolerated. Through thorough judgment, we must ensure that no one ever even thinks of rebellion again," and declared, "With an overwhelming change of government, I will completely end rebellion."
Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim declared, "With Honam's choice, I will become a proud economic president," and stressed, "We are facing economic stagnation, Yoon Suk-yeol's regression, Trump's tariff bombs, and even rebellion. I will devote all my knowledge, experience, and capabilities to ensure South Korea's economic leap forward, no matter what."
He especially emphasized, "From this very moment, let us break away from the language of division and exclusion, such as 'Chinmyeong' (pro-Lee Jaemyung), 'Bimyeong' (anti-Lee Jaemyung), and 'Subak' (a derogatory term for anti-Lee Jaemyung factions)," highlighting the need for "unity." He explained, "The 'solidarity of light,' where we unite and cooperate with different colors, is the new path of democracy we must pursue."
He also presented region-specific pledges. Governor Kim stated, "I will create a West Coast renewable energy belt connecting Jeonnam, Jeonbuk, and Gwangju; make Gwangju a city of AI and future mobility conglomerates; develop Jeonbuk into South Korea's eco-capital; and establish a secondary battery and advanced materials cluster in Jeonnam. I, Dongyeon Kim, will accomplish the development of Honam."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party will hold a joint speech meeting for the Gangwon, Seoul metropolitan area, and Jeju regions the following day at KINTEX in Ilsan, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, concluding the tour of primary elections. The final presidential candidate will be selected at this event.
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