Lee Jae Myung: "Those Who Seek Personal Gain by Raising Their Own Land Value Should Not Hold Public Office"

Continuing the 'Listening Tour' in Gyeonggi and Chungcheong

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, continued his 'Listening Tour' on May 5, visiting Yangpyeong and Yeoju in Gyeonggi Province, as well as Eumseong and Jincheon in North Chungcheong Province, to meet with local residents.

On this day, which was both Buddha's Birthday and Children's Day, Lee met with citizens in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, and stated, "Just as we have overcome crises through the strength of the people, let us join forces to build a new nation of hope."

Although Lee is facing an increased judicial risk due to the Supreme Court's remand with a guilty verdict in his violation of the Public Official Election Act, he is refraining from directly addressing this issue. Instead, he is focusing on livelihood and economic issues and continuing his nationwide public sentiment tour.

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is greeting children at the 'Listening Tour in Every Alley' held on the 5th at Yangpyeong Mulmalgeun Market in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

Lee appealed for support, saying, "Among the liberated countries, we are the only one in world history to have achieved both industrialization and democratization," and added, "We cannot allow the country to regress again just because of something like a rebellion. Let us build a new nation together with our own hands." He continued, "The person with the greatest responsibility is the president," and emphasized, "A worker must be loyal and competent."

Lee also mentioned the case of the Yeoju solar power plant, stating, "After building the plant, it cost nothing and brings in 10 million won per month. Can you understand why the Yoon Suk Yeol administration is cracking down on this and preventing it?" criticizing the government.

He also appeared to allude to the suspicions surrounding First Lady Kim Keon Hee and the route change of the Seoul-Yangpyeong Expressway. Lee pointed out, "The reason we pay taxes and follow the decisions of the state, even if we don't always like them, is because we believe they are just, reasonable, and necessary for everyone." He added, "However, if someone tries to increase their own land value and seek personal gain through public authority, that person should not hold public office."

On this day, Lee wore a bulletproof vest during his schedule, seemingly conscious of concerns about possible terrorist threats.

On Children's Day, Lee visited a local stationery store, spoke with children, hugged one child, and said, "I can't give you a present, but let's take a photo together," taking a picture with them. He later reminisced, "When we were young, we didn't even know there was a Children's Day."

Earlier that morning, Lee attended the Buddha's Birthday celebration ceremony at Jogyesa Temple. In his congratulatory speech, he said, "Buddha abandoned his royal status and became a monk, awakening everyone with the teaching that all people are noble and equal," and added, "The essence of politics, standing before the mission of overcoming crises and achieving national unity, is no different."

Lee plans to visit Jeungpyeong and Boeun in North Chungcheong Province the following day, and Jangsu, Imsil, and Jeonju in North Jeolla Province on May 7.