Candidates in the Democratic Party of Korea presidential primary appealed for support on the 27th at the joint rally in the capital area, Gangwon, and Jeju, the last location of the nationwide primary, emphasizing 'integration' and 'Democratic Party one team.'
Candidate Lee Jae-myung was the first to take the stage at the joint rally for selecting the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for the 21st presidential election held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Goyang, in the afternoon of that day, claiming to be a 'capable and prepared president.' He stated, 'I will definitely create a strong economic, military, and cultural nation, a strong democracy, and a nation of happiness for the people through integration that transcends differences.'
Lee noted, 'Having experienced how one supreme public official can ruin a country, I will show how one supreme public official can create a 'world of hope' through practice and results,' and emphasized that 'We will maximize our potential through integration that transcends differences from a practical perspective for the people and the country.'
Highlighting his experience as the mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province, he expressed, 'Just as I made Seongnam the standard of Gyeonggi Province and Gyeonggi Province the standard of South Korea, I will make South Korea the world standard.' He further stated, 'The only criteria of a Lee Jae-myung government will be the people, livelihood, and South Korea.'
Candidate Kim Kyeong-soo, who promised a 'megacity republic,' said, 'I will surely create an overwhelming change of regime centered around the Democratic Party's presidential candidate to be elected today,' while reiterating the emphasis on 'Democratic Party one team.'
Kim stated, 'I will operate the government together with democratic forces,' adding, 'The five megacities and the three special autonomous cities, including Gangwon and Jeju, will become South Korea's new growth engines,' and remarked, 'I will take responsibility to create the megacity republic together.'
Candidate Kim Dong-yeon, who faced off against Lee in issues such as tax increases and constitutional amendments, introduced himself as 'someone who will share fate with the Democratic Party' and stated, 'From today, let's unite even more like the Democratic Party.' He added, 'No matter who becomes the presidential candidate, let's gather more strength for an overwhelming change of regime,' vowing, 'I will do my best for the success of the fourth democratic government. I will fight against the economic crisis and win without fail.'
Kim remarked, 'Let's part ways with the divisive and exclusionary rhetoric like pro-Moon, anti-Moon, and watermelon factions. We are all one under the name of the Democratic Party,' stating, 'The alliance of different colors that cooperates and collaborates is the new path of democracy we must pursue.'