[Report] Lee: "If You Manipulate Stocks, You Will Be Ruined" Supporters Cheer... "End to Rebellion, Recovery of Livelihood Economy" Blue Wave

'Lee's Campaign' Yeouido Flooded with Blue Light Sticks
Consensus on the Need for a Change in Government... "End of Rebellion, Livelihood and Economy"
Supporters Cheer Loudly at Lee's "Strict Punishment for Stock Manipulation" Remarks
Festive Atmosphere at the Site... Supporters Chant Slogans Together

"If candidate Lee Jae Myung plays a significant role as a leader and each member of the Democratic Party fulfills their responsibilities without mistakes, I believe that five years, although it may seem short, will be enough time to restore the Republic of Korea to its rightful place."

On the afternoon of June 2, at Yeouido Park in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, which was the final on-site campaign rally location for Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate. When asked what she expects from Lee, Park Manyoung (53, female), whom we met at the site, responded as above. Park, who runs a small business near the Blue House, said, "I was deeply shocked when I witnessed the martial law situation," and with tears in her eyes, she added, "Since then, I have suffered from insomnia and overwhelming anger, to the point that I would wake up repeatedly even while sleeping."

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, appeals for support from citizens during his final campaign rally held at the Culture Square in Yeouido Park, Seoul, on June 2, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun Min

Supporters at the scene, like Park, expressed that they could no longer tolerate the 12·3 Martial Law and the impeachment crisis, and agreed on the necessity of a change in government. When Lee declared in his speech, "This presidential election is a direct confrontation between our citizens and the forces of rebellion," the supporters chanted "That's right!" and called out Lee Jae Myung's name. Jang Moonkyu (37, male) said, "I couldn't participate during the 12·3 Martial Law, but I came out and raised my voice at the rally supporting impeachment," emphasizing, "Ending the rebellion is the first priority, and reviving the people's livelihood and economy is the second."

The campaign rally truly had a festive atmosphere. Supporters waved their own light sticks or blue balloons in time with the campaign songs. A young boy even stood up and danced. On one side of the venue, vendors were selling blue light sticks printed with "Now is 1 Lee Jae Myung" and blue mats. By 7:45 p.m., before Lee's arrival, there were no seats left facing the stage, so event staff had to block further entry. According to the Democratic Party, a total of 50,000 citizens attended the rally that day.

On June 2, 2025, a day before the presidential election, citizens cheer while holding light sticks at the campaign rally of Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, held at the Culture Square in Yeouido Park, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The cheers from supporters grew even louder when Lee made remarks about the economy. In particular, the loudest applause came when he spoke about his pledge to revitalize the stock market. Assuming his victory, Lee said, "From now on, anyone who manipulates stock prices will be ruined, and if you make money from stock manipulation, you will have to pay back several times that amount," and, "If you inflict harm on thousands or tens of thousands of people through stock manipulation, you will spend dozens of times more time in prison than the suffering you caused." Supporters erupted in loud cheers three separate times during these statements.

Immediately after the speech, at 8:43 p.m., Lee and his supporters placed their left hands over their hearts and sang all four verses of the national anthem while focusing on a screen. When Lee bowed deeply in gratitude, supporters responded with applause and waved their balloons in support.

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is singing the national anthem at the final campaign rally held at Yeouido Park Cultural Square in Seoul on June 2, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun Min

The festive atmosphere continued even after Lee left the rally site. At 9:02 p.m., Kim Heena (32, female), who had visited the site with friends, stood on a ledge and shouted, "Now is the time," and "This is real," to which supporters heading home responded by chanting "Lee Jae Myung." Kim said, "With tears in my eyes, I came here after finishing work in Siheung," and added, "If Lee Jae Myung becomes president, the economy will recover."