Lee Jaemyung Targets Centrists in Conservative TK Strongholds: "True Conservatism Is Upholding the Constitution" (Comprehensive)

"I Am a Very Conservative Person... True Conservatism Must Be Restored"

Yonhap News

On May 4, Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited Yeongju and Yecheon in North Gyeongsang Province, Danyang in North Chungcheong Province, and Yeongwol in Gangwon Province, meeting with market merchants and others in an effort to win public support. Although some within the party are calling for a strong response following the Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn and remand his violation of the Public Official Election Act with a guilty verdict, Lee continues to appeal to centrist voters by focusing on livelihood and economic issues.

During his visit to Yeongju, Lee said, "Sometimes when I come back to my hometown, there are people who glare at me, and I understand that. Some people may dislike me," but added, "I've been subjected to all kinds of slander, but it all fell away like dust. If there had really been a problem, would I have come this far?"

In Yecheon, responding to a local merchant who raised the issue of balanced regional development, Lee replied, "Still, don't you keep voting for them (the People Power Party)?" He emphasized, "For the country to develop, growth cannot be concentrated in only one area. Development must be balanced." He also argued, "Many people misunderstand me because information is distorted," and insisted, "Fake news must be eradicated, and truthful information must circulate."

Lee also commented on current political issues. While speaking with merchants in Yecheon, he said, "I thought the rebellion was over, but it seems to be starting again," a remark interpreted as a reference to the recent Supreme Court ruling. He continued, "If someone is a true representative of the people, they would not do such things," adding, "Do not elect politicians based on region or ideology, but choose competent people."

Lee's schedule for the day is seen as a strategy to broaden his support among centrist voters in challenging regions. In a recent video celebrating surpassing one million subscribers on his YouTube channel, he said, "I am a very conservative person," and added, "I value rules and consider balance important."

Lee stressed, "The current conservatives in Korean society are not true conservatives, but fake conservatives. Claiming to uphold the Constitution while destroying it is not conservatism," and emphasized, "True conservatism must be restored."