Lee Visits Border Regions: "Special Compensation Needed for Areas of Extraordinary Sacrifice"

Lee's Listening Tour Across Gyeonggi and Gangwon Border Belt on May 1-2
Highlights Need for Compensation for Border Regions at Final Stop in Inje
"Invest Your Time to Wisely Choose Those Entrusted with Power"

Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, who has begun direct communication with residents in the border areas of Gangwon, emphasized that special compensation is necessary for regions that have made special sacrifices. He also offered subtle criticism of the government and the ruling party.

Yonhap News

On the afternoon of May 2 at Wontong Market in Inje County, Gangwon Province, Lee stated, "Border regions have suffered greatly for the security of the Republic of Korea," and stressed, "Our community must provide special compensation to regions or individuals who have made extraordinary sacrifices; only then can we have a truly fair society." He added, "Inje, Yanggu, and Goseong are all places where citizens of Korea live and deserve respect," and said, "We must not disregard them simply because they lack power or have small populations."

Lee has been conducting the "Listening Tour in Every Alley" for two consecutive days, visiting the border belt areas of Gyeonggi and Gangwon. The purpose is to visit traditional markets and shopping districts to hear directly from the residents. On this day, he visited Cheorwon, Hwacheon, Inje, Goseong, and Yanggu in Gangwon Province to listen to local public opinion. He was accompanied by Kim Hyunjong, Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs and Security, Kim Byungjoo, Supreme Council Member, spokespersons Ahn Gwiryeong and Kang Yujeong, as well as lawmakers Kim Yongman and Heo Young.

At a rice cake shop, Lee paid 5,000 won with a local gift certificate to buy soybean powder and took photos with local residents, demonstrating his efforts to communicate closely with citizens. After speaking with an elderly woman selling wild greens at a street stall, he also urged the onlookers nearby, "Please buy a lot."

Yonhap News Agency

While moving between locations, Lee climbed onto the deck of a store and said, "You are the true owners of this country, and elected politicians are merely workers and tools who must serve you faithfully. The president and members of the National Assembly are not rulers, but agents entrusted with power by the people." He then asked, "Shouldn't we make wise choices?"

He also included subtle criticism of the ruling party and government. Lee remarked, "In politics, there are those who represent one side and those who represent the other, but if someone acts unjustly or does something wrong, we cannot simply ignore it and avoid conflict. We must point out mistakes and correct them if we want the world to improve."

He continued, "Haven't you experienced what happens when you are deceived and make the wrong choice of leader?" and added, "If you just vote based on what you see on YouTube or television, those people will end up ruining our lives and the future of our country."

Lee emphasized, "Even if it is difficult, I hope you will invest more and choose not only a good person, but also an excellent and faithful person for the sake of your lives and for future generations. That is the path to economic improvement and to increasing customers for your businesses."

Meanwhile, on May 3, Lee will continue his Listening Tour in Every Alley by visiting the East Coast Belt (Sokcho, Yangyang, Gangneung, Donghae, Samcheok, Taebaek in Gangwon), and on May 4, the Danyang Palgyeong Belt (Yeongju and Yecheon in North Gyeongsang, Danyang and Jecheon in North Chungcheong, and Yeongwol in Gangwon).