Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, on the 23rd, the 16th anniversary of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun's death, said, "I will embark on the journey toward the 'world where people live,' which President Roh dreamed of, and I will create a Daedong society where everyone thrives together."
The candidate noted through Facebook on that morning, "It has been 16 years since the President left us. But the longing grows deeper."
He said, "President Roh Moo-hyun became a significant milestone in making the path of Lee Jae-myung. During my training period, when I secretly struggled between personal success and social responsibility, the special lecture by Roh Moo-hyun, the human rights lawyer, illuminated the direction of my life."
He added, "Despite my worries, I realized that the path alongside the citizens is the path I must follow, and the path of President Roh, who insisted on justice over personal comfort and principles over compromise, became my path."
The candidate remarked, "Although no one dared to step forward, the political reform that was courageously executed became another turning point in my life," and emphasized that "the reforms to the Political Funds Act and the transparent nomination system actively pursued by the President ended the chronic issue of 'money politics' and eliminated unreasonable practices, establishing a path for new politicians who possess capability and sincerity as their asset, rather than background or financial strength."
He added, "In 2006, Lee Jae-myung, while engaging in civic movements in Seongnam, was able to courageously decide to run for local elections because of President Roh. He instilled hope that as long as there is sincerity for the people, one can engage in politics regardless of money or connections."
The candidate stated, "I followed the light of hope from Roh Moo-hyun, the beacon keeper, and somehow I stand here now," adding that "every time I repeat the phrase President Roh often said, 'The river does not give up on the sea,' memories of the decisive turning points in my life come to mind deeply."
He continued, "Now I dare to continue the journey of that river, acknowledging the heavy responsibility of renewing a crisis-ridden Republic of Korea, but I will achieve this with our great citizens."
In particular, he remarked, "I will reach the journey toward the 'world where people live,' which President Roh dreamed of, achieving balanced regional development, ensuring fair opportunities, creating a society without privilege and violations, and a true Republic of Korea where the people are the masters. I will overcome today's despair and cultivate tomorrow's hope."
He concluded, "I will create a Daedong society where there is a functioning common sense of awakened citizens, a country where the people are the masters, and where everyone thrives together."