Vision for Green Economy and Logistics Hub
Memorial Ceremony for Former President Roh Moo-hyun on May 23
Welfare Pledges Highlighting a Basic Society
Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, became the first among the major presidential contenders to hold a campaign rally in Jeju during the official election period on May 22. Through the announcement of his pledges, Lee also outlined policy directions that set the next government's national agenda as a "Basic Society."
At a campaign rally held that morning at Dongmun Rotary in Jeju City, Lee presented his vision for Jeju as a green economy based on eco-friendly energy, including "Sunlight Pension" and "Wind Pension" programs, as well as for Jeju as a tourism city. In the 2022 20th presidential election, out of 560,000 eligible voters in Jeju, about 400,000 participated in the vote. This is similar to the number of voters who participated in Seoul's Gangseo District during the presidential election. Although Jeju accounts for a small proportion of the total electorate, its political significance is unique. While some argue that campaign events should be scheduled in Jeju out of respect for its voters, it is generally more common to prioritize regions with larger populations of voters, given the tight official campaign schedule.
Following the Jeju rally, Lee is set to hold a focused campaign event in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, where former President Moon Jae-in's residence is located. A Democratic Party official explained, "He will present a blueprint to transform the region into an international logistics city by promoting a Northeast Asia logistics center."
The most anticipated event in this week's campaign schedule is the memorial ceremony for former President Roh Moo-hyun, to be held on May 23 in Bongha Village, Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province. Former President Moon, key figures from the Democratic Party, leaders of other parties such as the Rebuilding Korea Party, and many others are expected to attend.
Meanwhile, Lee announced via social networking services (SNS) a welfare policy direction that aims for a broad "Basic Society," encompassing everything from a life-cycle income security system to access to artificial intelligence (AI). He stated, "We will establish a dedicated national body for the realization of a Basic Society (the Committee for Recovery and Growth for a Basic Society) and build a public-private cooperation system."
Lee introduced welfare policy directions including a life-cycle income security system, strengthening public, essential, and regional healthcare, a care-based Basic Society, the phased introduction of a 4.5-day workweek, extending the retirement age through social consensus, and support for communication expenses.
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