Emphasizing Historical Significance at Jeju Campaign
Linking Martial Law and Past Incidents
Stressing the Need for Politics of Unity
Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, who visited Jeju Island on May 22, stated, "The election on June 3 is a historic turning point and a watershed moment for the Republic of Korea. It will determine whether Korea will prosper or decline, whether our society will regress to a state where tragedies like the 4·3 Incident or the 5·18 Gwangju Democratization Movement could happen again, or whether we will move forward as a true democratic republic where the people are never again killed by the guns and swords entrusted to protect them."
During his campaign speech at Dongmun Rotary in Jeju City on this day, Lee connected the Jeju 4·3 Incident, the Gwangju 5·18 Democratization Movement, and the martial law declared on December 3 last year as part of a historical continuum. He said, "Those who died saved the people of Korea on December 3," emphasizing that this presidential election will determine the direction of Korean democracy.
He referred to the peaceful resistance of citizens during the December 3 martial law, stating, "You can be proud of your remarkable capabilities. The people of Korea have achieved, not once but twice in less than ten years, a beautiful and bloodless revolution of peace that has no parallel in world history, toppling those in power through peaceful means."
In relation to this, Lee reaffirmed his commitment to passing the law excluding the statute of limitations for state violence crimes, which had passed the National Assembly but was blocked by the right of reconsideration (veto). He promised, "For crimes of state violence?those that infringe upon the lives, freedom, and human rights of citizens using the power entrusted by the people?I will permanently exclude the statute of limitations so that the perpetrators will be held criminally accountable as long as they live." He added, "I will also limit the statute of limitations for civil and compensation claims so that, within the scope of the assets inherited by perpetrators of state violence crimes, even their descendants will be held responsible to the very end." Lee further pledged, "If I am elected president and given the power of veto, I will not exercise it. The moment this law passes the National Assembly, I will sign it immediately without vetoing it."
He also expressed hope that the economic situation would improve after the presidential election.
Lee, referring to the trend of investing overseas instead of in the domestic stock market, said, "The issue of market unfairness will be resolved the moment the June 3 election ends." He also highlighted the need to amend the Commercial Act, pointing out situations where quality companies are siphoned off through physical division. Criticizing the People Power Party for opposing the amendment, he said, "This clearly reveals the true nature of the People Power Party." He added, "If we prevent the abuse of management control and ensure fair corporate governance, that alone will bring about improvement." Additionally, addressing the issue of dividends, he stated, "If we just correct the problem of low dividends, the stock market will improve significantly."
Lee also emphasized the importance of politics of unity. He said, "The term 'president' (daetongryeong) does not mean 'rule' (tongchi), but 'integration' (tonghap). Just because someone is different does not mean they are wrong. We should acknowledge these differences, recognize each other's roles, and not try to take everything?having just 51% and achieving results to prove ourselves and be chosen again is a rational political process, isn't it?"
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
