Daein Market Merchants Association in Gwangju Declares Support for Lee Jaemyung

"The Only Candidate Who Can Revitalize the Local Economy"

On the 16th, Kang Kyungmi, president of the Daein Market Merchants Association, along with other merchant representatives, held a press conference at the Merchants Association office to declare their support for Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate. Photo by Ahn Dogul's office

For the first time among traditional markets in the Gwangju area, merchants from Daein Market have officially declared their support for Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party.

On the 16th, Kang Kyungmi, president of the Daein Market Merchants Association, along with other merchant representatives, held a press conference at the Daein Market Merchants Association office. They expressed their full support for Lee Jae-myung, describing him as "the only candidate who can revive ordinary people and the local economy."

In their declaration, the Merchants Association stated, "The backbone of the Korean economy is the local commercial districts, and the heart of each region is the traditional market." They added, "For merchants who have endured hardships due to COVID-19, high inflation, and high interest rates, Lee Jae-myung's pledges are not just words but feasible solutions."

They continued, "Policies such as debt relief and long-term installment repayment for COVID-related loans, expansion of local currency and Onnuri gift certificates, the promotion of Commercial District Renaissance 2.0, and increased support for young and female merchants are policies that accurately address the realities faced by merchants." They emphasized, "Lee Jae-myung is the true candidate for the livelihood of the people who can revive the local economy."

The declaration of support was attended by Ahn Dogul, a member of the National Assembly and Deputy Head of Policy Headquarters for the Democratic Party’s General Election Committee, as well as Hong Giwol, a member of the Gwangju City Council, both of whom listened attentively to the merchants' voices.

At the event, Representative Ahn stated, "As Deputy Head of the Policy Headquarters, I will actively reflect the opinions from the field in our policies. The answer to politics is always found in the field. Today's declaration by the merchants is a desperate call for the recovery of people's livelihoods. Together with candidate Lee Jae-myung, I will do my utmost to revitalize traditional markets."

Meanwhile, the Daein Market Merchants Association’s declaration of support marks the first official endorsement from a traditional market in the Gwangju area, drawing attention to whether this will lead to a series of similar declarations by other merchant organizations in the future.