Lee Jae Myung Highlights Capability to Overcome Crisis,
Stresses "Integration and Reconciliation"
Kim Moon Soo Presents Vision for Economic Growth Through GTX and Samsung Campus Achievements
Lee Jun Seok Shifts Strategy from Economic Recovery to Criticizing Lee Jae Myung
As the official campaign period for the 21st presidential election comes to an end at midnight on June 2, the major presidential candidates have focused their campaigns on highlighting the historical significance of this election and emphasizing their capabilities as political leaders. Throughout the campaign period, they traveled across the country, presenting their visions for the next five years.
Asia Economy reviewed the campaign speeches and social media keywords of Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate; Kim Moon Soo, the People Power Party presidential candidate; and Lee Jun Seok, the Reform New Party presidential candidate, from May 12 to June 1.
On the first day of official election campaigning for the 21st presidential election on the 12th, banners of Lee Jae Myung, the candidate of the Democratic Party, and Lee Jun Seok, the candidate of the Reform New Party, are hung at Gongdeok Intersection in Mapo-gu, Seoul. 2025.5.11 Photo by Jo Yongjun
During the election period, Lee Jae Myung placed the greatest emphasis on the "people" and "popular sovereignty." In his speeches, Lee repeatedly stated that the people are the owners of the nation and that all power comes from the people, using terms such as worker, agent, and servant to describe politicians. The historical significance of this election being held under the emergency martial law declared by former President Yoon Suk Yeol was also a recurring theme in his campaign. Lee Jae Myung stressed the need to prevent regression and prepare for the future, referencing insurrection and military coups. Politically, he advocated for integration, reconciliation, and inclusiveness, while emphasizing fairness and common sense as the principles by which society should operate. As the campaign entered its later stages, he presented more detailed policy visions and outlined a blueprint for the "real Republic of Korea."
On economic issues, he identified artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and cultural leadership as next-generation growth engines, pledging to make Korea a country that leads the world. He also stressed the need to crack down on stock price manipulation and amend the Commercial Act in order to promote the growth of the Korean stock market. In the latter part of his speeches, he concentrated his criticism on rival candidates such as Kim Moon Soo, labeling People Power Party and others as "reactionary forces rather than conservatives." Toward the end of the campaign, he strongly urged voter participation. Throughout the campaign, he positioned himself as a competent public official and the right person to resolve the current crisis.
Kim Moon Soo, in the early stages of his campaign, emphasized the value of the market economy and freedom, as well as the spirit of Park Chung Hee and love of country. His campaign appeared to focus on restoring order after the confusion surrounding the replacement of presidential candidates and on consolidating the conservative base. He later highlighted his experience as governor of Gyeonggi Province, including the construction of the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Express Railway (GTX) and the Samsung Pyeongtaek Campus, focusing on resolving transportation infrastructure issues and promoting economic development through businesses.
As the campaign progressed into the middle and later stages, criticism of Lee Jae Myung became more prominent. Kim Moon Soo intensified his attacks by referring to Lee Jae Myung as representing a "bulletproof monster dictatorship state." In contrast, he presented himself as an honest president, emphasizing integrity and honesty, and highlighting his commitment to defending democracy.
Lee Jun Seok, who has called for generational change, initially focused on economic recovery amid difficulties, strengthening competitiveness, and regional development strategies. However, as the campaign progressed, especially after TV debates, his main messages shifted to criticism of Lee Jae Myung. Lee Jun Seok used terms such as "populist," "liar," and "incompetent" to target Lee Jae Myung, raising the intensity of his attacks. Issues such as women's rights, which emerged during the TV debates, also became focal points of discussion.
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