On May 11, Kwon Youngguk, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Labor Party, issued a statement to mark the anniversary of the Donghak Peasant Revolution, saying, "The movement to eradicate violence and save the people in the past must now lead to political reform and major social transformation," and declared, "I will pave the way for a new era of equality and democracy."
Kwon Youngguk, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Labor Party, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at an office in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
In his statement, Kwon said, "The official election campaign period begins in earnest tomorrow," and added, "In an era where everyone is shifting to the right, I will not forget the voices in the public square and will stand with the people."
Kwon recalled, "During the tractor procession in Namtaeryeong last winter, which was filled with calls for Yoon Sukyeol to step down, we were reminded of the Battle of Ugeumchi," and stated, "The spirit of resisting injustice and responding to the demands of life from below, rather than orders from above, continues to this day."
Kwon also said, "Yesterday, farmers who rode their tractors to Seoul to attend the May 10 Pan-Citizen Rally for the liquidation of anti-democratic agricultural policies and major agricultural reform were blocked by police on Siheung-daero near Seoksu Station," and added, "I do not understand the reason for blocking the voices calling for the liquidation of anti-democratic policies and the reform of the lives of farmers in crisis. The police have no right to block the farmers' tractor procession."
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