Democratic Party Claims "Over 20,000" Attendees
Unofficial Police Estimate: 5,000
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae Myung raised his voice at the presidential campaign launch event held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on the 12th, stating, "This presidential election is not a contest between the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, but rather a decisive battle against the entrenched vested interests that brought the nation to ruin through rebellion, destroying constitutional order and the livelihoods of the people." He emphasized the need to overcome the crisis caused by the state of martial law.
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is wearing his campaign uniform over a bulletproof vest at the Central Election Countermeasures Committee launch event held at Cheonggye Plaza in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 12th, the official start date of the 21st presidential election campaign. Photo by Kim Hyun Min
On the morning of the first official day of the 21st presidential election campaign, Lee launched his campaign with an event titled "Revolution of Light." According to the Democratic Party, 20,000 supporters attended the launch event.
Lee stated, "As the name 'Gwanghwamun' literally means 'the gate that brightly illuminates the world,' it was here that we overcame the pitch-black darkness of rebellion," and added, "Starting my first campaign activity here, where the Revolution of Light began, holds a special significance in my heart."
Wearing a blue campaign jacket over a bulletproof vest, Lee criticized, "Three years ago, those who won everything despite a narrow victory in the presidential election have driven the people into suffering through arrogance and self-interest. Society has been pushed into division and conflict to the point where a presidential candidate must campaign in a bulletproof vest. The lives of the people have been driven to the edge, democracy and national dignity have collapsed, and peace and security have been reduced to mere tools for maintaining power."
He continued, "With the 12·3 rebellion, the Republic of Korea was driven into a life-or-death crisis, and this continues even now. Although the ringleader of the rebellion was brought to trial and stripped of the presidency, the second and third waves of rebellion by the remnants, who disregard even the Constitution, are still ongoing." He added, "However, what is certain is that their rebellion can never succeed."
He went on to say, "It was the people who stood unarmed against guns, knives, and armored vehicles. In the end, politics is something the people do. There is no power that can defeat the people."
He also said, "We have prepared more thoroughly than ever to avoid repeating the failures since the 20th presidential election. I have met and listened to countless citizens. There has not been a single smooth process or an easy battle, but each time, the people have lifted me up and protected me, Lee Jae Myung. With this desperate desire and collective will, I will ensure victory as repayment."
He then warned, "To overcome challenges such as the U.S.-led trade crisis and the limitless technological competition in AI, the entire nation must unite and pool its strength. We cannot afford to be trapped in factional conflict." He emphasized, "Now is the time to move beyond division toward unity, beyond confrontation toward pragmatism. The answer to overcoming crises lies in national unity. I will practice politics of unity with humility."
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