Lee Jaemyung Embarks on Gyeongbuk Tour in Challenging Region... "Listening to Small Business Owners' Voices"

On May 9, Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, embarked on the "Listening Tour in Every Alley," visiting the Gyeongbuk region, which is considered a challenging area, to meet with voters.

Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party candidate, is talking with citizens in Yonggangdong, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Lim Chunhan

On this day, Lee toured the commercial district of Yonggangdong in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, and emphasized, "Citizens of Gyeongju, the true owners of this country are the people," adding, "People like us are merely tools chosen by the sovereign. We are loyal workers to be put to use." He continued, "Isn't a ballot stronger than a bullet?" and stated, "Even on the night of the December 3·12 insurrection last year, didn't we overcome guns and armored vehicles with our bare hands?"

Lee also remarked, "The world will come to regard Korea highly not only for its culture but in every aspect," and stressed, "The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit must be successful, and the National Assembly will do its part to ensure this." He further stated, "Gyeongju should not face extinction as a provincial city but should rise as a city where a new millennium of brilliant culture flourishes in splendor."

Members and supporters of the Democratic Party gathered in large numbers. One citizen said, "I wonder if I can be seen from here. It's hard to see because of the umbrellas," and added, "There are people from TV here." Another citizen commented, "I need to show this to my children," and "I have to take a good photo." When Lee arrived, party members dressed in blue chanted slogans such as "President Lee Jaemyung" and "Lee Jaemyung, fighting!"

Starting with Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk, where the APEC summit is being held, Lee plans to visit Yeongcheon, Gimcheon, Seongju, and Goryeong in succession. Through visits to local markets in each region, he intends to listen to the difficulties faced by small business owners suffering from the economic downturn, and to hear the vivid voices of residents in the Gyeongbuk area.

This listening tour is Lee's final schedule to meet with local voters before the official campaign period begins on May 12. Previously, Lee conducted the first listening tour in border areas and the Yeongdong region of Gangwon, and the second listening tour in the southern Gyeonggi, Chungcheong, and Jeonbuk regions.