Lee Jae Myung: "Not a Competition with Kim Moon Soo... It's a War Between 'Republic of Korea' and 'Anti-Republic of Korea' Forces" (Comprehensive)

"I Have Personally Experienced Incheon's Transportation Issues... I Will Pay Special Attention"
"Rebellion and Insurrection Continue... Plots to Eliminate Political Opponents Persist"

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, visited Incheon on the 21st and declared, "This election is not a competition between the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, nor between Lee Jae Myung and Kim Moon Soo. It is a war between the forces of the Republic of Korea and the anti-Republic of Korea forces."

At a major campaign rally in Cheongna, Seo-gu, Incheon that afternoon, Lee stated, "This is a confrontation between those who defend constitutional government and those who destroy it. It will determine whether the sovereign of this country is the people or a handful of vested interests who threaten the people with guns and swords."

He emphasized, "This is a sacred battle to defend democracy that you must fight and win for yourselves, for your children, and for your children's children."

Lee mentioned Cho Bong Am, an independence activist and politician from Incheon, saying, "If he had not been a victim of judicial murder, Incheon would be remembered as the region that produced the great historical leader Cho Bong Am. There would have been no long-term dictatorship by Syngman Rhee, no 4·19 Revolution, no 5·16 military coup, no prolonged military dictatorship, and no 5·18 Gwangju Massacre."

He then appealed, "Let us clearly prove through the vote guaranteed by the Constitution that we ourselves are the true owners of this country and that we ourselves determine the fate of this nation."

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is appealing for support at a campaign rally held at Incheon Guwol Rodeo Square on the 21st. 2025.5.21 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

"I Have Personally Experienced Incheon's Transportation Issues... I Will Pay Special Attention"

Earlier that day, at a campaign rally at Rodeo Square in Namdong-gu, Incheon, Lee said, "I might become the first president from Incheon, and they say 'one's arm bends inward.' Wouldn't I take even better care of my own neighborhood?" expressing his familiarity with the city.

He noted, "Among the metropolitan areas, the east has the worst transportation conditions. After moving here and commuting, I found that a distance that takes 20 to 30 minutes by car at night takes as long as 1 hour and 40 minutes in the morning." He stressed, "Having experienced these transportation and infrastructure issues myself, I will make sure to pay special attention to them."

Lee said, "It's been about three years since I became an Incheon citizen, and now I feel a real attachment?I feel like a true Incheon citizen." He added, "There is a saying that symbolizes Incheon: 'Haebulyangsu,' which means the sea accepts both muddy and clear water without discrimination. Does this not represent Incheon's spirit of integration?" He appealed for support, saying, "They say a real victory is only achieved by winning in Incheon. Will you help me win?"

He also reiterated the necessity of his so-called "hotel economy theory," which he advocated during last weekend's presidential TV debate. Lee argued, "Even if you have 1 million won, if it just sits still, that's a recession. But if even 100,000 won circulates from one household to another, it becomes 1 million won and the economy is revitalized." He added, "If someone twists this and fails to understand, they are foolish; if they deliberately distort it, they are malicious. The government should increase fiscal spending and implement at least a New Deal policy."

Explaining the difficult economic situation, Lee also emphasized the government's role. He said, "If the government doesn't spend money at a time like this, when will it? Some people ignorantly say that the national debt has increased by 1,000 trillion won and that the country should not incur debt. But our nation's GDP is 2,600 trillion won, and the national debt is less than 50% of that," arguing for fiscal soundness.

He continued, "During COVID-19, when the economy was struggling, other countries took on debt to support their citizens, but Korea's support stayed the same or even decreased. As a result, household debt surged, everyone became debtors, businesses are closing, and people are so busy paying off debt that the economy is dying."

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is appealing for support by giving a thumbs-up at a campaign rally held at Guwol Rodeo Square in Incheon on the 21st. 2025.5.21 Photo by Kim Hyun Min

Rebellion and Insurrection Continue..."Is Installing Bulletproof Glass the Fault of the Democratic Party?"

At the north plaza of Bupyeong Station in Incheon, Lee said, "Even at this very moment, rebellion and insurrection continue, and plots to eliminate political opponents are ongoing. Is it the fault of Lee Jae Myung and the Democratic Party that I have to campaign behind bulletproof glass and with bodyguards?"

In response to Kim Moon Soo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, who criticized Lee by saying, "Should someone who wears a bulletproof vest and campaigns behind bulletproof glass become president?" Lee retorted, "Those who ought to be reflecting on themselves instead insult the public and make light of a politician who survived a stabbing. Is that acceptable?"

Lee stated, "The reason I am able to stand here before you, alive and well, despite being attacked with guns, knives, the law, and the pen, is because of the great people. The only way to make a fresh start is through your votes."

For his final campaign event of the day, Lee visited his own district, Gyeyang-gu in Incheon, and said, "Thanks to the help of Gyeyang-gu residents, I was able to revive my political career and survive." He added, "Three years ago, I lost the presidential election due to my shortcomings and caused disappointment to many. I am truly grateful to all of you who helped me get back on my feet."

He continued, "As a member of the National Assembly representing Gyeyang-gu, I wanted to manage the nation's affairs well, but I suddenly found myself running for president again. Wouldn't it be even better if I could work for Gyeyang-gu as president? For the sake of the people of Gyeyang-gu who have brought me this far, I will create a new Republic of Korea and repay your support."

At the Rodeo Square in Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, citizens are cheering during the campaign rally of Lee Jae Myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, held on May 21, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin