Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, stated on the 19th, "Our country has grown and developed to this extent, and its international standing has risen significantly, thanks in large part to the contributions of our senior citizens."
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, visited the Korea Senior Citizens Association Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the 19th and greeted Chairman Lee Joong Geun. Photo by Yonhap News
During his visit to the Korea Senior Citizens Association in Yongsan-gu, Seoul that morning, Lee remarked, "The Republic of Korea is the only country among those liberated worldwide that has succeeded in both industrialization and democratization, achieving rapid, compressed growth in a short period. It would not have been easy for other countries to accomplish this," emphasizing the important role seniors have played.
The Korea Senior Citizens Association once had a strained relationship with the Democratic Party. In 2023, the party’s 'Kim Eun Kyung Innovation Committee,' established to reform the party, was disbanded early amid controversy over remarks disparaging the elderly.
Lee's visit on this day is interpreted as an effort not only to move past this history and establish a new, friendly relationship with the association, but also to actively appeal to senior voters by using this connection as a bridge.
Lee met with Lee Joong Geun, who is also the chairman of Booyoung Group and the head of the Korea Senior Citizens Association, to seek support from the older generation in the upcoming presidential election.
Lee told Chairman Lee, "Thank you for making time in your busy schedule to arrange this meeting," adding, "As someone who has run a business, you must be sensitive to economic conditions, and the economic situation in Korea is very difficult right now."
He continued, "When the economic situation worsens, it becomes especially hard for vulnerable groups and ordinary citizens. The poverty rate among seniors in Korea is relatively high, and I am concerned that the difficulties facing the elderly generation may intensify. I ask for your advice and hope you will play a significant role in helping us overcome this crisis. We will listen carefully to your words today and look for ways we can help."
In response, Chairman Lee said, "On behalf of 10 million seniors, I sincerely thank you, Candidate Lee, for visiting us despite your busy campaign schedule," and added, "You have walked alongside ordinary people, the marginalized, and the socially disadvantaged in the reality of our citizens' lives, and you have demonstrated strong drive and practical ability as both mayor and governor. Your pledges for seniors have given hope to the association and seniors across the country."
Chairman Lee went on to say, "Currently, those aged 65 and older experienced the war in 1950 and feel a deep sense of gratitude toward the United Nations," raising the need to re-designate 'UN Day' as a public holiday. He added, "I hope you will sincerely and positively consider other pending issues and requests from the Korea Senior Citizens Association. I wish you good health and success, and I look forward to hearing good news from you."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
