Lee Launches Campaign at Gwanghwamun, Symbol of the "Revolution of Light": "No Repeated Failures, Victory Is Certain"

Lee Launches Campaign at Gwanghwamun, Symbolic Site of Yoon's Impeachment Protest
"Surpassing the Pre-Rebellion Era... Let's Build a True Korea"

The official campaign period for the 21st presidential election began on May 12, 2025, with Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, launching his campaign from Gwanghwamun in Seoul. By starting his campaign in a space symbolizing the "Revolution of Light," Lee aimed to emphasize the significance of regime change.

Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, raises both arms high as he begins his first campaign rally at Cheonggye Square in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, a space symbolizing the "Revolution of Light," on the first day of official election campaigning for the 21st presidential election on May 12, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At the campaign headquarters launch ceremony held at Cheonggye Square in Gwanghwamun that morning, Lee stated, "The person who will lead this country is neither Lee Jaemyung nor Kim Moonsu, but you, the people." He continued, "Our utmost task is to restore the livelihoods, democracy, and peace that have collapsed, and to revive the devastated economy."

Lee went on to say, "The country we dream of is not the Republic of Korea before the rebellion. We aspire to become a nation that will be reborn as a global standard for a new civilization era, a true Korea that will lead the world on the foundation of Muksanism." Supporters responded to his remarks by waving cheering sticks and blue balloons, chanting "Lee Jaemyung" in unison.

Referring to his defeat in the previous presidential election, Lee said, "The loss was painful, but what followed was even more so. I have prepared even more thoroughly so as not to repeat that failure." He added emphatically, "Together with the people who have given me another chance despite that painful defeat, I will unite everyone's earnest and desperate hopes and surely repay them with victory."

The launch ceremony was attended not only by Democratic Party campaign officials such as Yoon Yeojoon and Park Chandae, the standing co-chairs, and Jeong Eunkyung and Kim Dongmyung, the general co-chairs, but also by leaders from four opposition parties who have agreed to serve as Democratic Party campaign co-chairs: Kim Sunmin, acting leader of the National Innovation Party; Yong Hyein, leader of the Basic Income Party; Kim Jaeyeon, standing leader of the Progressive Party; and Han Changmin, leader of the Social Progress Party. Lee also received a transcript compiling citizens' opinions gathered through "ModuyeojilmunQ," the policy communication platform under the Democratic Research Institute.

Lee Jae Myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is responding to cheers from supporters while wearing campaign attire at the campaign headquarters launch ceremony in Gwanghwamun, Seoul on the 12th. Photo by Hwang Seoyul chestnut@

The decision to choose Gwanghwamun as the first campaign site was due to its symbolic significance as the place that led to the impeachment of former President Yoon Seokyeol. Since the presidential election was triggered by the martial law declared by former President Yoon, the outcome of this election is expected not only to overcome and recover from the rebellion through regime change, but also to become a new center of growth. At the beginning of his remarks, Lee also said, "I will cherish the special meaning of starting my first campaign event here, where the Revolution of Light began." The campaign headquarters has set its basic campaign concepts as "listening," emphasizing communication, and "national unity," aimed at healing a divided Korea.

After the rally in Gwanghwamun, Lee will embark on a nationwide campaign tour as part of the K-Initiative Belt schedule. This is closely related to his emphasis on "growth" policies in the presidential election. After holding a "K-Innovation" brown bag meeting with innovation industry workers in Pangyo, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, he will campaign in Dongtan, Hwaseong, and Daejeon, focusing on "K-Semiconductors" and "K-Science and Technology," respectively.