Actress Kim Ga-yeon publicly supported Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung while mentioning her experience during the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising.
During Lee Jae-myung's campaign rally held on the 30th at the clock tower square of Chungju Gymnasium in Chungcheongbuk-do, Kim Ga-yeon took the stage and grabbed the microphone.
That day, Kim Ga-yeon, wearing a blue headband and a blue polo shirt, took the stage and revealed the reason for her support for Lee Jae-myung, stating, 'I stand here as a citizen, not as a celebrity.'
He mentioned witnessing the scene at the age of 9 during the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, stating, 'On May 18, 1980, I was in Gwangju. I have lived as a citizen of Korea for 54 years. I have experienced so much in that time. I have seen many presidents, and there have been many events. However, on May 18, 1980, I experienced something I shouldn't have to at the age of 9. At that time, martial law was declared, and innocent citizens were sacrificed. I believed that during my lifetime, there would never again be martial law,' he said, tearing up.
He continued, 'But on Dec. 3 last year, an absurd martial law was declared. I came here today to share my experience. I spent my days not knowing anything, playing on the roof of my two-story house with my younger sibling because my mom said, 'You can't go outside.'
He recalled, 'One day, my younger sibling had a fever, and my mom had to take him to a pediatrician in the neighboring town. Unexpected events occurred. When we passed by the courthouse, I saw something covered with a white cloth in such a square. At first, I didn't realize it was a person. My mom was so flustered, holding my hand and telling me, 'Just hold the wall and cross, only look ahead,' but the curious 9-year-old girl peeked. I saw blood and dirt on feet that had come out from under the white cloth. Who could have such an experience?'
Kim Ga-yeon stated, 'It is because of their sacrifices that democracy in our country has developed and that we are able to live peacefully. Do you think everything is over just because he was dismissed? The reason I support Lee Jae-myung is that I have no doubt he will do exceptionally well.'
She also said, 'People say, 'Lee Jae-myung cannot do it.' Why is that? It is because they know he will do so well that they are trying to stop him. They are like an oil slick blocking us. I earnestly ask Lee Jae-myung to completely remove this oil slick-like presence that keeps coming back even after being swept away.'
Meanwhile, the total early voting rate for the 21st presidential election, held over the two days on the 29th and 30th, was recorded at 34.74%. The official voting day is set for June 3, where voting can take place at designated polling stations from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
[Photo] OSEN DB, captured from YouTube.
[OSEN]