At the June 2 Press Conference, Lee Recalls Campaigning in Suncheon and Gokseong
"I Will Ensure Politics That Prevents Public Suffering"
"Let Us Judge Those Who Undermine Democracy Through Our Votes"
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung is giving a speech at a focused campaign rally held on the 15th of last month at Yi Sunshin Square in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News
Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, on June 2?one day before the June 3 presidential election?chose "the citizens standing in the pouring rain during the campaign in Honam" as the most memorable scene from the election campaign.
At the final presidential press conference held in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on this day, Lee said, "When I campaigned around the Honam region, including Gokseong, Suncheon, and Yeosu, it rained heavily," and added, "Especially in Suncheon, countless citizens watched the campaign event without even using umbrellas, standing in the rain with their entire bodies exposed."
He continued, "I was able to avoid the rain by standing on top of a car, but even as the rain poured down so hard that water splashed onto my glasses, the citizens wiped the rain from their faces and remained until the end," and confessed, "I felt so sorry and heartbroken giving my speech while witnessing that scene."
On the 15th of last month, citizens are listening to the speech at the concentrated campaign rally of Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae Myung held at Yi Sun Sin Square in Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News
He said, "I also felt a sense of self-blame, wondering if things might have turned out differently if we had been a bit more prepared three years ago, or if I had made up for my shortcomings," and emphasized, "I made a resolution that the people should never again have to stand in such painful situations, being drenched by heavy rain."
At the press conference, Lee also delivered his final message to voters. He appealed for support, saying, "Please prove with your votes that politicians who destroy democracy can never survive in this country through overwhelming judgment."
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung is taking questions from reporters after reading a press conference statement at Seongnam Resident Church in Sujeong District, Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province on the 2nd. Photo by Yonhap News
Lee stated, "The great transformation that turns despair into hope, division into unity, and stagnation into growth begins with your vote," and added, "I have heard your earnest voices and seen your tears. It all felt like my fault."
He continued, "My political life has been a journey of turning the impossible into possible. Just as I did in Seongnam and Gyeonggi Province, now I will change the Republic of Korea," and promised, "I will create a country where opportunities are given in proportion to the effort made."
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