Despite Supreme Court Ruling, Lee Jae Myung Smiles Brightly... Emphasizes "Politics Is Done by the People"

Conversations with Merchants: "We Must Revive the Economy"
"Reviving the Economy Also Begins with Electing a Competent Politician"
Listening to Public Sentiment Through a Man-to-Man Approach
Appealing with Friendliness Through Selfies and Sharing Snacks

"Whoever is chosen can completely change my life. Reviving the economy also begins with electing a competent and loyal worker."

On May 2, Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae Myung visited Cheorwon County in Gangwon Province as part of his "Listening Tour of the Border Belt," emphasizing that the fate of the nation depends on which politician is chosen. Despite the Supreme Court's decision the previous day to remand his case with a guilty verdict regarding the dissemination of false information during his term as governor of Gyeonggi Province, Lee met citizens with a smile during this tour.

Lee stated, "The reason the economy has worsened is because politics has failed, and the reason politics has failed is because the wrong politicians were elected. Ultimately, politics is done by the people, so even if you are busy and tired, you must devote care to electing a representative who will determine the fate of your life and your children's lives."

Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae Myung is taking notes while talking with a young merchant at Dongsong Traditional Market in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, on the second day of his 'Listening Tour through Every Alley' in the border area. Photo by Yonhap News

He underscored the importance of choosing political leaders by citing examples from the Joseon Dynasty, such as King Seonjo and King Jeongjo. Referring to dramas like "Squid Game," he added, "I want to build a culturally strong nation," and asserted, "If politics is done well, we can become a prosperous country that leads the world."

Starting in Cheorwon County, Lee visited Hwacheon County, Inje County, and Goseong County in succession to listen to citizens' stories. At the markets, he focused on addressing people's livelihoods by asking merchants about their sales and other economic concerns. In response to merchants' complaints about the difficult economy, Lee said, "We must revive it." In some shops, he took out his wallet to buy snacks such as Gangjeong and shared them with those around him.

As crowds gathered, Lee sometimes had difficulty moving from store to store. Some citizens brought his books and asked for autographs, and Lee took selfies with them. Supporters hugged Lee, took photos, and chanted slogans such as "Stay strong," "President Lee Jae Myung," and "Fighting."

On the 1st, when the Supreme Court issued a ruling to remand the case with a guilty verdict regarding the violation of the Public Official Election Act by Lee Jae Myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee began a "Listening Tour in Every Alley" to hear public opinion across the country, greeting citizens on Jungang-ro in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

For this presidential election, Lee chose to refrain from large-scale rallies and instead adopted a "man-to-man" approach, visiting neighborhoods and listening while taking notes rather than simply speaking. This represents a departure from traditional campaign methods. A representative from Lee Jae Myung's central election campaign committee explained, "We selected areas that presidential candidates have not often visited in the past."

Starting in the northern part of Gyeonggi Province the previous day, Lee planned to remain in Gangwon Province through May 3, visiting Sokcho, Yangyang, Gangneung, Donghae, Samcheok, and Taebaek in sequence. On May 4, he will begin in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, and conduct the "Danyang Palgyeong Belt Listening Tour," which will include stops in Yecheon, Danyang and Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province, and Yeongwol in Gangwon Province. During these tours through May 4, Lee plans to stay in each region to strengthen direct contact with local residents. The Democratic Party announced that a total of three such listening tours will be conducted.