"We Must Adopt Inclusive Policies
That Distribute Opportunities for Growth
and the Fruits of Growth Equally"
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate (fourth from the left), campaigning at Namugeuneul Square in Naseong-dong, Sejong City on the 31st. Photo by Pyo Yoonji
Lee Jae Myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 31st, "Now is the time for us to return to a balanced growth policy, where, like advanced Western countries, we can enjoy fair opportunities for growth in a rational society and have our contributions fairly rewarded."
During a campaign rally held at Namugneul Square in Naseong-dong, Sejong City in the afternoon, Lee emphasized, "Until now, the Republic of Korea has been a country with a capital-centric system, a nation for the privileged, a country for special classes, and a country for large conglomerates. Under this unbalanced growth strategy, a select few have received special benefits."
He continued, "There was a time when the 'all-in' strategy meant that if a specific minority or sector developed tremendously, the benefits would trickle down to many people. However, concentrating everything in the capital region has led to the decline of local areas, and the capital area is now on the verge of bursting at the seams, making the situation unbearable."
Lee pointed out, "With each presidential term, the (economic) growth rate has dropped by 1%. Under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, it fell from the 1% range to the 0% range."
He added, "While other countries are managing to endure, only the Republic of Korea has gone past 0% and is now heading into negative growth, that is, into the basement. Not growing means that opportunities are decreasing."
Lee stressed, "Now, the 'all-in' strategy has become an obstacle that undermines international competitiveness and makes it difficult for us to continue sustainable growth and development. For a country to achieve continuous economic growth, it must adopt inclusive policies that distribute both opportunities for growth and the fruits of growth equally."
Regarding decentralization, he asserted, "We need to relocate more public institutions and government agencies to Sejong, Chungcheong, and other regions as quickly as possible. If possible, we should promptly construct and move the National Assembly’s main chamber, and, through a national consensus to amend the Constitution, also relocate the presidential office to create a more balanced society."
On the 31st, approximately 5,000 citizens gathered at the campaign event for Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, held at Namugneul Square in Naseong-dong, Sejong City. Photo by Pyo Yoonji
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