"Give ten, gain a hundred... Military clashes are not in the national interest"
"Provoking the North is an outdated dream of martial law"
Reiterates pledges on North Korea policy, regulatory relief, and compensation
On May 20, the ninth day of the official election campaign, Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, focused his campaign efforts on the northern region of Gyeonggi Province?his political stronghold?and strongly emphasized his message of a 'peace economy.' He criticized the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's North Korea policy, stating, "They provoked North Korea and induced military clashes," and stressed the importance of easing tensions through dialogue and implementing compensation policies for affected regions.
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is appealing for support at a focused campaign rally held on the 20th at Ilsan Culture Square in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. 2025.05.20 Photo by Yoon Dongjoo
On this day, Lee visited border areas including Uijeongbu, Goyang, Paju, and Gimpo, where he explained his development pledges for northern Gyeonggi in detail, saying, "Regions suffering from military restrictions need proper compensation and regulatory relief."
At the rally in Goyang, he stated, "Northern Gyeonggi has been subjected to all kinds of regulations simply because of its proximity to the armistice line. Now it is time to ease these restrictions and create peace through dialogue with North Korea," adding, "Peace is the economy itself. Strong military power is fundamental, but true national strength lies in preventing war."
During the Paju rally, he strongly criticized the Yoon administration's North Korea policy. Lee said, "The previous government provoked North Korea, induced clashes, and dreamed of martial law. Managing North Korea is not about favoring them, but about protecting our people and our country. If you give ten and gain a hundred, that is a benefit?so why call it a giveaway?"
At the Gimpo rally, he also commented on inter-Korean propaganda and broadcasting. Lee said, "When the South broadcasts, the North responds with its own broadcasts. If we send leaflets, they send filth back," referring to the vicious cycle of confrontation. He then added, "This statement could be manipulated and used to label me as 'pro-North,' so let me clarify: 'Since the North broadcasts first, the South is merely responding.'"
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is receiving a bouquet from supporters at a focused campaign rally held at Ilsan Culture Square in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province on the 20th. 2025.05.20 Photo by Yoon Dongjoo
Lee Jae Myung also reiterated his pledge to make the Ilsan Bridge toll-free, saying, "I made it toll-free when I was governor of Gyeonggi Province, but after I left, the toll was reinstated. If I become president, I will ensure it becomes toll-free again, quickly and decisively."
He criticized the People Power Party's 'Mega Seoul' pledge, saying, "If being adjacent makes everything Seoul, then except for Jeju Island, the whole country would be Seoul. Does that make any sense?" He added, "We must not deceive the public with false promises."
Regarding the proposal for a 'Special Autonomous Province for Northern Gyeonggi,' he drew a line, stating, "It would be desirable when financial independence is possible, but for now, it is premature." Instead, he pledged to establish a Peace Economy Special Zone using presidential authority.
Lee plans to conclude his metropolitan area campaign on May 21 in Gyeyang, Incheon, his home district. On May 22, he will visit Jeju Island, and on May 23, he will go to Bongha Village in Gimhae, where the memorial ceremony for the late former President Roh Moo Hyun will be held. Summing up his campaign route, he will start in Seoul, travel around the country, and then head to Bongha via Seoul, Incheon, and Jeju.
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