Touring Chungcheong and Jeonbuk for a "Listening Tour"...
"Regions, Small Businesses, and Neighborhoods Must Thrive"
Emphasizing Balanced Regional Development and Support for Local National Universities
Also Stresses the Need for a Change in Government
On May 6, Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, continued his on-site campaign focused on livelihood issues, touring the Chungcheong and Jeonbuk regions under the concept of a "Listening Tour in Every Alley."
During his activities that day, Lee once again emphasized his commitment to resolving difficulties faced in the field, while also highlighting the need for balanced regional development. At a meeting with young farmers held in Boeun, North Chungcheong Province, Lee stated, "The economy is just like the human body?just as good blood circulation in the hands and feet is essential for health, regions, small businesses, and local neighborhoods must all thrive for the country to be vibrant and prosperous."
He continued, "In the past, the government borrowed money from abroad and concentrated manpower in one place, pursuing unbalanced growth. As a result, investments were focused on Seoul, and policies practically forced people from rural areas to move to Seoul," adding, "This has led to a severe widening of inequality." He reiterated his commitment to balanced development, stating that more support should be provided to regional national universities than to Seoul National University.
In particular, Lee also focused on public messaging to ease concerns among his supporters regarding his so-called "judicial risks." With some expressing worries about whether Lee could run for president following the Supreme Court's decision to remand his Public Official Election Act case, it appears Lee determined that actively engaging in external activities himself would be the most effective way to dispel such doubts.
Meeting with citizens in front of a restaurant in Jeungpyeong, North Chungcheong Province, Lee said, "On December 3 last year, we experienced an insurrection, but I am confident that the ongoing second and third waves of insurrection will also be decisively suppressed by the great will of the people."
Lee emphasized, "Why can't we overcome the absurd world that a tiny handful of vested interests in Korea are trying to create? Although it is difficult and challenging, let us trust in Korea's potential, move forward with courage, and advance confidently and powerfully toward the future."
On this day, Lee also appealed for support by highlighting the need to judge the current administration. At a market in Okcheon, North Chungcheong Province, he said, "If those entrusted with power harm us, we must hold them accountable," adding, "We must ensure they are thoroughly punished so that it never happens again." He also said, "Let us change the people in charge and give new people a chance," questioning, "If the same people are repeatedly given the job, why would they work hard for the people?"
Lee concluded his schedule for the day after visiting the North Chungcheong region, Geumsan in South Chungcheong Province, and Jangsu in North Jeolla Province. On May 7, he plans to visit Jinan, Imsil, Jeonju, and Iksan in North Jeolla Province, followed by Cheongyang and Yesan in South Chungcheong Province.
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