Presidential candidate Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party said on the 12th, "I promise a vision that will lead global trade and technological competition to victory."
Candidate Lee visited the Kumho P&B Chemical Yeosu Plant No. 2 at the Yeosu National Industrial Complex at midnight on the day the official campaign for the June 3 presidential election began, and met with reporters, saying, "I will propose solutions so that the secondary industrial complexes that have led Korea's exports and national growth can make a comeback once again."
Candidate Lee noted, "The Yeosu petrochemical complex is currently in a state where profit margins and sales volumes have significantly decreased due to volume competition and dumping competition with China," and emphasized that "the person who will solve this issue needs diplomatic sensibility, an understanding of trade, and a comprehensive understanding of the industry." He went on to say, "As someone from a science and engineering background who is confident that I possess this global mindset, this is the optimal place to express my determination," explaining the reason for choosing the Yeosu National Industrial Complex as his first campaign schedule.
The candidate also announced a proposal to reform the legal minimum wage system to secure wage flexibility. He stated, "I have suggested that local governments and councils be allowed to adjust the minimum wage level by about 30% up or down according to local circumstances," and added, "Our view is that securing wage flexibility must come before labor flexibility."
Regarding solutions for industrial accidents, he stated, "In terms of political issues such as the Serious Accident Punishment Act, the Reform Party and I will implement policies aimed at securing maximum safety."
On that day, after holding a press conference at the National Assembly's communication center, the candidate will visit Yonsei University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, to continue a campaign where he eats meals with students. In the afternoon, he plans to hold a focused rally at Gwanghwamun Cheonggye Plaza.