Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, rallied his supporters in Gwangju on May 17, one day before the 45th anniversary of the Gwangju 5·18 Democratization Movement. Since May 15, Lee has focused his campaign efforts in the Honam region for three consecutive days, and he plans to stay in Honam through the anniversary of the 5·18 movement, dedicating four days to solidifying his core support base.
On this day, which marked the first weekend since the official start of the election campaign, Lee held his first rally in Naju, home to the Bitgaram Joint Innovation City of Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, where he emphasized the spirit of Gwangju.
Lee stated, "You are the ones protecting this country," and highlighted, "Admiral Yi Sun-sin once said, 'If there is no Honam, there is no country.'"
He continued, "Even though hundreds of people were unjustly killed under the long and brutal military regimes, it was ultimately the 5·18 Democratization Movement that brought them to an end. Following the Candlelight Revolution, it was once again the spirit of Honam that ended this violent and anachronistic regime through the Revolution of Light."
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is smiling brightly after receiving a gift of Naju pears during a campaign event held in front of Manghwaro at Geumseonggwan in Naju, Jeollanam-do on the 17th. Photo by Yonhap News
On this day, Lee also received a gift of Naju pears from a supporter.
During the rally, Lee cupped his hands around his mouth and said, "Not long ago, I heard someone say, 'I am also from Honam, let's love each other,' and it gave me chills. I wondered how ashamed and hurt the awakened people of Honam must have felt hearing that." He was referencing a remark made by former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who withdrew his presidential bid, after he was blocked by a civic group from visiting the 5·18 National Cemetery on May 2, shortly after announcing his candidacy.
Later that afternoon, Lee planned to visit the Gwangju National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery and continue his campaign with a major rally at the Kim Daejung Convention Center square in Gwangju. That evening, he was scheduled to attend the eve festival for the 5·18 commemoration ceremony, held at Geumnam-ro, a symbolic location of the 5·18 movement in Gwangju.
Hwang Jeongah, spokesperson for the Central Election Committee, explained that Lee's four-day stay in Honam was intended to coincide with the anniversary of the 5·18 movement, starting from Gwangju, the sacred ground of democratization, and that it should be understood as a sign of his deep affection for the Honam region.
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