Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, on May 15 criticized the People Power Party for appointing, then canceling the appointment of, former Defense Minister Chung Ho-yong?who commanded the suppression operation during the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement?as a senior advisor to candidate Kim Moon-soo. He said, "With the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement just days away, how could they bring in the commander of the Airborne Troops?"
At a campaign rally in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do on this day, Lee also stated, "They have also recruited lawyer Seokmo, the chief defense attorney for Yoon Suk-yeol, the main culprit of the insurrection. This is something that should never happen."
Lee said, "Former President Kim Dae-jung, whom I deeply respect, accomplished something great by achieving the first peaceful transfer of power, and former President Roh Moo-hyun made politics possible without money. By following the narrow path of democracy opened by one, and political reform by the other, I, Lee Jae-myung, have come this far."
Regarding former President Kim Dae-jung, Lee emphasized, "How could I possibly compare myself to such a giant? But I will carry on his ideals?his determination to thoroughly address the real difficulties faced by the people, to establish democracy, and to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula, all grounded in reality."
Candidate Lee Jae-myung Appeals for Support in Mokpo(Mokpo=Yonhap News) Reporter Hwang Kwangmo = On May 15, Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, gave a speech appealing for support at a campaign rally held in front of the circular shopping center at Peace Square in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do. 2025.5.15
hkmpooh@yna.co.kr (End)
At a rally in Yeonhyang-dong, Suncheon, Lee said, "The first democratic government was called the 'People's Government,' followed by the 'Participatory Government.' I believe the next government should be symbolized by popular sovereignty?the 'Government of the Sovereign People.'"
During a rally at Yi Sun-sin Square in Yeosu, Lee stated, "The true owners of the Republic of Korea are the people. Thanks to the historic experience of Gwangju in May 1980, we were able to overcome both the December 3 insurrection and the imposition of martial law." He added, "When the country is in turmoil, we must unite even our smallest strengths," and questioned, "Why should the owners fight among themselves over the color of the clothes worn by their servants?"
Lee continued, "No matter the color, no matter the region, whether women or men, even if they try to instigate division, do not be swayed. As sovereign citizens, let us monitor whether the power and budget entrusted to us are used properly, and if not, let us hold them accountable."
He also dismissed concerns about political retaliation if elected, saying, "There is an enormous amount of work to be done in the short five-year presidential term. Who has time to dig up dirt on others or harass them?"
Candidate Lee Jae-myung Receiving a Gift of Korean Honeysuckle, a Symbol of DJ, in Mokpo(Mokpo=Yonhap News) Reporter Hwang Kwangmo = On the 15th, Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, received a gift of Korean honeysuckle, symbolizing former President Kim Dae-jung, during a campaign held in front of the circular shopping center at Peace Square in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do. 2025.5.15
Photo by Hwang Kwangmo
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