Festival Atmosphere in Dochon-ri, Where He Spent His Childhood
Celebrating with Chants of "Eokgangbuyak"
"Dochon's Son, President Lee Jae Myung!"
The festive atmosphere of Dochon-ri village where I spent my childhood... Celebrating while shouting "Eokgangbuyak." Photo by Byunggeon Kwon
With Lee Jae Myung of the Democratic Party elected as the 21st president, his hometown of Dochon-ri in Yean-myeon, Andong-si, North Gyeongsang Province, is buzzing with excitement. The fact that a progressive-leaning president has emerged from Andong, which is often called "the heart of conservatism," is not only politically symbolic but also a source of deep pride for local residents.
◆ Situation Room Set Up at Dochon-ri Senior Center... Cheers at Exit Polls and Makgeolli Shared in Celebration
Dochon-ri, the hometown of President-elect Lee, was swept up in a festive atmosphere starting on the night of June 3, immediately after the announcement of the exit polls.
The agricultural equipment storage next to the village senior center was transformed into a temporary ballot counting situation room, where about 20 residents gathered to watch the results on TV. When the three major terrestrial broadcasters' exit polls at 8 p.m. predicted Lee's victory, the residents shouted "President Lee Jae Myung!" and passed around Makgeolli in celebration.
At the village entrance, signs reading "Birthplace of Lee Jae Myung" and "The Place Where Dreams Grew" were set up, while banners displayed phrases such as "Dochon's Son, President Lee Jae Myung" and "Eokgangbuyak (Uphold the Weak, Restrain the Strong)."
◆ "Diligence Studying for the Bar Exam While Working at a Factory... Finally Became President"
President-elect Lee spent his childhood in Dochon-ri. Although the village now has only about 40 households and roughly 70 elderly residents, they remember him as a "smart child."
This is the signboard of Samgye Branch of Wolgok Elementary School, which Lee Jae Myung, the 21st president, attended. Photo by Kwon Byung Gun
Resident A (age 68) said, "I still vividly remember him working at a factory in Seongnam and then studying until dawn. That perseverance and diligence are what ultimately made him president today."
Another resident recalled, "His family was struggling financially, so they moved several times within the village, but his eyes always had a special spark."
◆ "A Progressive President from Conservative Andong... Hoping for Harmony Between East and West"
Village chief Lee Jae Ho (age 69) said, "I am simply proud that someone from our village became president. Everyone from our hometown is delighted."
He added, "Since a Democratic Party president has emerged from Andong, a symbol of conservatism, we can now look forward to regional harmony and balanced development."
◆ The President's Hometown Emerges as a New Political Symbol
President-elect Lee has visited Dochon-ri every holiday to pay respects at his grandparents' graves and share meals with some residents. He is also known to have visited his hometown during last year's Chuseok holiday.
On this day, supporters gathered in front of his home in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, forming a crowd of well-wishers. When a resident waved the national flag, supporters responded with applause and chants of "President Lee Jae Myung." Police immediately deployed security personnel to control the scene.
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