"The People Are the Owners"... Democratic Party Kicks Off Full-Fledged Election Campaign in Gwangju and Jeonnam

"Gwangju, a City That Has Endured" ... First Campaign Rally at 5.18 Democracy Square
Jeonnam Launches in Suncheon ... Vows to Achieve 90% Vote Share

On the first official day of the June 3 presidential election campaign, Gwangju and Jeonnam once again gathered in the public square. On May 12, the Democratic Party of Korea held consecutive campaign launch events at Gwangju 5·18 Democracy Square and Suncheon Aret Market, declaring, "Let us once again prove that the people are the true owners of this country," and officially entered the election race.

On the afternoon of the 12th, attendees at the Democratic Party of Korea Gwangju Election Committee launch event held at Gwangju 5·18 Democracy Square held up a large face board of candidate Lee Jae-myung and performed a group performance. The Gwangju City Party, which officially began street campaigning, continued election activities on the first day while urging voter participation. Photo by Song Bohyun

In Gwangju, the Democratic Party of Korea Gwangju Election Countermeasures Committee held its launch event on the afternoon of the same day at 5·18 Democracy Square. Attendees included Chairman Yang Bunam, lawmakers Jung Chungrae and Park Jie-won, local National Assembly members from Gwangju, city and provincial party officials, and citizens, all of whom appealed for support for candidate Lee Jaemyung.

A woman in her twenties, who spoke during the open mic session, said, "These days, the world feels so stifling, and I was more afraid to just watch from the sidelines, so I came here today." She continued, "When I see those who ignored the Constitution and neglected people's livelihoods trying to seize power again as if nothing happened, I wonder if this is really the country we live in." She added, "Gwangju is a city that has endured such times with its whole being. Thanks to the democracy that our parents' generation risked their lives to protect, we are able to stand here today."

Chairman Yang Bunam emphasized, "The June 3 election is not simply about choosing a president, but about selecting a leader who can address the three major challenges we face." He stressed, "The only candidate who can take responsibility for this is candidate number 1, Lee Jaemyung."

Jung Chungrae, a National Assembly member who serves as the Gwangju-Jeonnam committee chair, also said, "The Constitutional Court determined that the benefit of upholding the Constitution outweighs the loss resulting from the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol." He added, "I sincerely thank the people of Gwangju for standing by Lee Jaemyung until the end and enduring together."

On the morning of the 12th, at the Suncheon Aret Market, members and supporters of the Democratic Party of Korea Jeonnam Provincial Party Election Countermeasures Committee shouted their support for candidate Lee Jae-myung, marking the start of the election campaign. The electronic display behind the stage showed the phrase "Take on the challenge." Provided by the Democratic Party of Korea Jeonnam Provincial Party

Earlier that morning, the Democratic Party of Korea Jeonnam Provincial Election Countermeasures Committee held its launch event at Suncheon Aret Market and began its first street campaign. About 1,000 party members and citizens participated at the site.

The Jeonnam Provincial Party announced, "We will secure a landslide victory for candidate Lee Jaemyung with Jeonnam's high voter turnout and vote share, and establish the fourth democratic administration centered on Honam." Their targets are a voter turnout of 85% and a vote share of 90%.

The launch event began under the slogan "The choice of Jeonnam residents is the choice of the Republic of Korea," with a "Listening Note Presentation" to hear the voices of residents, followed by an open mic session. A merchant from Suncheon Aret Market said, "This country should be one where those who sweat and work hard are properly rewarded." A university student in their twenties said, "I want to create a country where families can be happy."

Chairman Joo Cheolhyeon stated, "Our campaign committee, united like a melting pot, will stand with the people of Jeonnam through inclusiveness and listening." He added, "We will tour the entire Jeonnam region and make every effort to secure a landslide victory for candidate Lee Jaemyung."