Lee Attends First Supreme Council Meeting After Being Confirmed as Presidential Candidate
"We Must Foster Harmony, Respect, and Mutual Reliance to Keep the Community Intact"
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, stated, "The president is meant to be the leader who unites the people," adding, "We must move toward unity so that our country does not become torn apart."
At the Democratic Party Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on the 28th, Lee said, "Although I am the Democratic Party's candidate, I will strive to become a candidate for all the people." Lee was officially confirmed as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate the previous day, having achieved a record-high primary vote share of 89.77%.
On this day, Park Chan-dae, the acting party leader and floor leader, helped Lee put on a blue windbreaker, the symbolic color of the Democratic Party. The windbreaker was emblazoned with the white phrases "Democratic Party 1" and "Now is Lee Jae Myung."
Lee explained, "Whether you are the president, the leader of a private club, or the president of an alumni association, the most important duty of any representative is to ensure the community continues properly by fostering harmony, respect, and mutual reliance so that the community does not break apart." He added, "Once you become the president of an alumni association, you must not discriminate between your supporters and others; all members should unite their efforts for the good of the association."
He further emphasized the role of the president, saying, "It is important for the people to live peacefully, safely, and happily, but even more important is maintaining the integrity of the community itself so that it does not fall apart."
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, visited the grave of former President Syngman Rhee at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on the 28th to pay his respects. 2025.04.28 Photo by Yoon Dongju
Lee said, "Today, while visiting the graves of former presidents, I asked an official at the National Cemetery whether there have been more visitors, and was told that the number has increased." He continued, "I wondered why that might be, and I thought perhaps people are visiting as a way of expressing themselves because social conflict has become so severe."
Earlier that day, before the Supreme Council meeting, Lee visited the National Cemetery for his first official act as a presidential candidate, paying respects at the graves of former presidents Syngman Rhee, Park Chung Hee, Kim Young Sam, and Kim Dae Jung.
Lee remarked, "Evaluations of historical figures should be left to historians and civil society. If such matters are brought into the realm of politics, which should be focused on people's livelihoods, and become a source of conflict, that is also a sad and regrettable thing."
He went on to say, "While politics may require finding differences and competing with one another, I also believe it is very important to find common ground and shared goals. I hope that rational competition will prevail, giving hope to the entire community."
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