"Fake News Must Be Eliminated, Only Real Information Should Circulate"
"If a Single Party Holds Power, the Economy Cannot Thrive"
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, appealed for support in Gyeongsangbuk-do, his hometown and a region where the Democratic Party is traditionally weak. He emphasized that the region's conservative political dominance must change for the economy to improve.
On the 4th, at the Seonbi Culture Festival held in Yeongju, Gyeongbuk, Lee said, "Gyeongbuk is my hometown, but sometimes when I visit, there are people who glare at me," adding, "But why do they dislike me? What did I do so wrong?"
He argued that the root of this animosity lies in distorted information. Lee said, "If there really was something wrong with me, would I have come this far?" and "They've investigated me more thoroughly than dust." He continued, "There are many people who harbor ill feelings toward me," and added, "I think it's because information has been distorted. What kind of grudge do I have with those people?"
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, greeted citizens at the Korean Seonbi Culture Festival held at Munjeong Riverside Park in Yeongju, Gyeongbuk, the first stop of the "Listening Tour in Every Alley: Danyang 8 Views Edition," one month before the presidential election on the 4th. Photo by Yonhap News
Lee stressed, "Information is important," and added, "Fake information and fake news must be eradicated, and only real information and the truth should be circulated."
He also criticized the political landscape in Gyeongbuk, where conservative parties hold an overwhelming advantage. Lee pointed out, "In regions where a single party holds power for a long time, the economy does not improve," explaining, "It's because there is no competition."
He went on to question, "If all you have to do is take sides within the party and line up behind influential figures to secure a nomination, why would anyone work for the people?" highlighting the importance of political checks and balances.
Lee also criticized the conservative camp. He asked, "Does it not matter if someone ruins the country for personal gain, or destroys the nation and constitutional order for their own honor and status?" and pressed, "Then who will work for the people?"
Above all, Lee underscored the need for politics to bring about real change in people's lives. He said, "No matter the region or its political color, what truly matters is the lives of the people," and emphasized, "Making people's lives better and turning this country into one of hope?that is the true role of politics."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
