Lee Jaemyung Focuses on Preventing Mistakes in TV Debate... Calm Response

Focus on Demonstrating Stable Leadership
Message of Overcoming Social Conflict and Achieving Unity

Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, will focus on preventing mistakes during the second televised debate on May 23. His strategy is to demonstrate stable leadership by responding calmly and not being swayed by the aggressive attacks of his opponents.

At the 21st presidential election candidates debate, presidential candidates from each party pledge to do their best. From the left, Kim Munsu of the People Power Party, Kwon Youngguk of the Democratic Labor Party, Lee Junseok of the Reform New Party, and Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Han Minsu, spokesperson for the Democratic Party's election campaign committee, told reporters that day, "He will diagnose the crisis facing Korea due to deepening social polarization and inequality, and present practical solutions for a true Korea that will not only overcome the crisis but also become a global standard in a new era of civilization." Han added, "He will present goals for responding to the climate crisis and transitioning the industrial structure to decarbonization, establish a greenhouse gas reduction roadmap befitting the responsibilities of an advanced nation, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and build an 'energy highway' for economic growth. He will also present a vision to lead Korea as a model country for climate action."

Lee is expected to deliver a message on 'overcoming social conflict and achieving unity,' emphasizing that people must join forces regardless of ideology or political camp. On the campaign trail, he has repeatedly stressed the importance of unity, saying, "It's hard enough to make a living and the future is uncertain, so why are we fighting and divided like this? Isn't it the politicians who are the problem? Do the public servants who represent the people really need to fight over whether they are red or blue, or from region A or region B?"

In the debate on healthcare and pension reform, Lee is expected to criticize the Yoon Sukyeol administration and express his determination to accomplish reform tasks. Among his top ten pledges, he has vowed to strengthen local, essential, and public healthcare to secure the right to treatment, and to resolve the healthcare crisis through medical reform with public participation. He has also promised to continue pushing for pension reform, eliminate blind spots in the national pension system, and expand military service credits for the national pension.

Meanwhile, on the 16th anniversary of former President Roh Moo-hyun's passing, Lee posted on social media, "Whenever I recall the phrase 'The river never gives up on the sea,' which President Roh often said, the moments that became turning points in my life come to mind from deep within my heart," adding, "Now, I humbly intend to continue the journey of that river."