On the First Day of Campaigning, Lee Jae Myung Covers Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Daejeon with a Busy Schedule

The Core Theme Is the Economy

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, launched his campaign with a busy schedule from the very first official day of the election season on the 12th.

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, participated in the 'K-Innovation' brown bag meeting on the 12th at an officetel in Pangyo, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, holding a discussion with IT developers and office workers in their 20s and 30s from Pangyo. Photo by Kim Hyun Min

On this day, Lee held his presidential campaign kickoff ceremony at Cheonggye Plaza in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, where he declared, "The country we dream of will go beyond the Republic of Korea before the civil unrest, not just recover, but be reborn as a global standard in the new era of civilization." He strongly expressed his determination to overcome the crisis of civil unrest and realize the value of unity in order to resolve the complex economic crisis.

According to the Central Election Campaign Committee, about 20,000 Democratic Party members and supporters gathered at the ceremony, demonstrating their strength in numbers.

The core theme of Lee's presidential campaign is the economy. Since the party primary, he has consistently emphasized "growth and unity" and "overcoming the crisis of civil unrest."

On this day, the Democratic Party's Central Election Campaign Committee Policy Headquarters announced ten key pledges, including achieving economic strength through the intensive development of new industries such as artificial intelligence (AI). In his speech at the kickoff ceremony, Lee stated, "Our economy is facing an overwhelming and complex crisis," and stressed, "To overcome the U.S.-driven trade crisis and the limitless competition in AI, the entire nation must unite and combine its strength."

During lunchtime, Lee visited Pangyo in Gyeonggi Province, where he discussed the innovation industry with workers from the IT sector over sandwiches. His choice to begin his campaign by listening to voices from the field of future innovation industries reflects his intention to lead the discourse on innovative growth and appeal to centrist voters. Some analysts suggest that Lee's experience as the former mayor of Seongnam, which includes Pangyo Techno Valley, could effectively highlight his image of innovation.

Lee commented, "IT developers have a very tough job. There are issues with working hours and intensity, and whether they receive fair compensation is also a problem," adding, "Labor should not be forced physically without a basis in voluntariness."

He continued, "Successful companies allow people to rest if they want to sleep or play games. This is how you inspire true voluntariness and dedication. Simply checking how many hours someone worked each day is not the answer," emphasizing, "To produce world-leading creative results, we must change the oppressive labor culture."

Lee also said, "While the development of industry and technology is important, the benefits must be shared by everyone," adding, "I hope for a world where all members of a company, including developers, share in the results. It is the government's role to coordinate this well."

In the afternoon, Lee held a concentrated campaign in Dongtan, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, a key hub of the semiconductor industry. This event was held under the concept of a "Semiconductor Industry Belt Concentrated Campaign," jointly attended by Suwon, Hwaseong, Yongin, Pyeongtaek, and Osan. Later in the evening, he planned to finish his schedule in Daejeon, a city known for science and technology.

Even before being confirmed as a presidential candidate, Lee had met with business leaders and conglomerate heads to discuss ways to overcome the economic crisis. He has drawn industry attention by showing particular interest in cutting-edge sectors such as AI and semiconductors.