Lee in Conservative Stronghold: "No Effort Because You Elect Them No Matter What"
"Choose for Yourselves, Not for Lee Jaemyung or Han Deoksoo"
Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, appealed to voters in Yeongnam, a region known for its strong conservative base, saying, "It doesn't matter if it's not Lee Jaemyung. Please elect someone who will truly work for the people."
On May 10, at the Uiryeong Traditional Market in South Gyeongsang Province, Lee said, "I heard that in the previous presidential election, I couldn't even get 20 percent of the vote here. I wonder if things will be different this time." He added, "What does color or region matter? As long as someone is loyal enough to provide warmth and prosperity for me, and to create a hopeful world for our children, does it really matter whether they're red or blue?"
Lee is currently conducting the Yeongnam Silla Belt Neighborhood Listening Tour, visiting various local communities to hear the voices of residents in the Yeongnam region. The previous day, he visited Gyeongju, Yeongcheon, Chilgok, Gimcheon, Seongju, and Goryeong in North Gyeongsang Province. On this day, he is touring Changnyeong, Haman, Uiryeong, Jinju, Sacheon, and Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province.
Addressing the conservative-leaning residents, Lee said, "You elect someone, and to put it bluntly, even if they steal, betray the people, and look down on their constituents, you keep voting for them. Why would they work hard?" He continued, "Now, I hope you will choose someone who truly serves you, who fits the ideals of a democratic republic, and who respects the people as their masters."
He also criticized, "Looking at this town (Uiryeong), money changes hands during nominations, no real work is done, and budgets are used only for personal gain. But since you keep voting for them, why would they change?" When a local resident shouted, "That's why there's no development," Lee responded, "You're right, that's exactly why there's no development."
Lee remarked, "Lawmakers from the Seoul metropolitan area seem crazy. How are they crazy? They run around day and night, on weekends, trying to figure out how to help their communities and gain recognition from residents." He added, "In this region, even 50 billion, 30 billion, or 10 billion won can make a huge difference, but building the GTX underground high-speed railway in the metropolitan area costs 7 to 10 trillion won. And it's not just one or two lines?they're building routes from A to G."
He went on to say, "But in this area, since you keep voting conservative, there's no effort. Why would they bother to ask Lee Jaemyung, whom they dislike, for help?" He stressed, "That's why the region doesn't develop."
Lee also praised Representative Heo Seongmu, who accompanied him, saying, "He was the first (Democratic Party) lawmaker elected in Changwon. He worked hard and succeeded, and he will work even harder from now on."
Lee concluded, "I'm not asking you to make a choice for anyone else?not for Lee Jaemyung or Han Deoksoo, but for yourselves. Only then will your lives improve."
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