Lee Jae Myung Campaigns in Jeonbuk... Kim Sangwook Says, "Supporting in Iksan"
Lee's Supporters in Iksan Surprised to See Kim Sangwook: "Never Imagined This"
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, launched his campaign in the Jeonbuk region, a political stronghold, on the 16th ahead of the first weekend of the official election period. Notably, he met publicly with Kim Sangwook, an independent lawmaker who recently left the People Power Party and declared his support for Lee.
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, raises hands and greets with Kim Sang Wook, an independent lawmaker, during a campaign rally held at Iksan Station East Square in Iksan City, Jeonbuk on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News
At around 10:10 a.m. that day, Representative Kim arrived at Iksan Station and greeted Jeon Yonggi, a Democratic Party lawmaker who came to welcome him. Supporters of Lee expressed their surprise and welcomed Kim, saying, "We never imagined Representative Kim would come." Afterwards, Kim met Lee at the campaign site.
Earlier, Kim had stated, "I plan to get off at Iksan Station at 10 a.m. and show my support at Lee's campaign event in Iksan." After news of Kim's declaration of support broke on the 15th, Lee responded, "I am grateful for your support," and added, "It would be great if you could join the party and work together." This move is closely related to Lee's efforts to broaden his base by including centrist and conservative figures in his campaign team. Kim explained, "I will travel to Gwangju to congratulate National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik on receiving his doctorate, and on the 17th, I plan to attend the May 18 memorial ceremony, a walking event, the eve festival, and the commemorative ceremony."
Starting in Iksan, Lee will visit Gunsan, Jeonju, and Jeongeup, pledging to revive the Jeonbuk economy through bold investment support. He also plans to highlight Korea's cultural competitiveness through a roundtable with young traditional musicians under the theme "Connecting the Sounds of Tradition" as part of the K-culture initiative.
Kim Sangwook, an independent lawmaker, is taking a photo with Democratic Party supporters at the East Square of Iksan Station, Jeonbuk on the 16th. Photo by Moon Hyewon
In Iksan, Lee will present his vision for transforming the area into a cultural powerhouse. In Gunsan, he will propose measures to foster new shipbuilding industries such as electric vessels and create jobs. In Jeonju, he will hold a major rally, and in Jeongeup, where the Donghak Peasant Army's Hwangtohyeon Battle took place, he will deliver a message about building a new Korea. Cho Seungrae, head of the campaign's public relations team, explained, "Jeonbuk is politically significant for Lee, as it is where his consistent political philosophy of 'Eokgangbuyak Daedongsaesang' (restraining the strong and embracing the weak) originated."
Meanwhile, after completing his schedule in Jeonnam the previous day, Lee will continue to solidify support in the Honam region through the weekend. He plans to attend the May 18 eve festival on the 17th and the commemorative ceremony on the 18th, remaining in the region during this period.
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