Accompanied by Korea's former disease control chief, Lee invokes his 'new Korea' vision
JEONJU, North Jeolla Province — With less than a month left until the June 3 presidential vote, Democratic Party of Korea candidate Rep. Lee Jae-myung was halfway through a restless week on the campaign trail in the liberal stronghold of North Jeolla Province on Wednesday.
Mid-campaign, reassuring news for Lee arrived. The Seoul High Court said it would postpone its ruling on Lee until after the election, after threats of impeachment from the Democratic Party. Last week, the Supreme Court sent Lee's case back to the High Court, reversing an earlier ruling that found the Democratic Party candidate not guilty of making false statements at a parliamentary hearing and a TV interview.
Speaking to reporters in a surprise briefing, Lee said the High Court pushing back his trial was the "natural course" and a "decision upholding the spirit of the Constitution."
"I have the highest respect for our justice system. ... But letting people exercise their rights to sovereignty is more important now more than ever," Lee said.
Asked what would happen to his ongoing criminal trials if he is elected president, Lee shunned a direct response, saying, "We have to follow the voice of the people."
At around noon, the crowd was swelling at a small local market in Imsil-gun, North Jeolla Province, where Lee was expected to visit. Each side of the narrow alley in the market was lined with supporters, many of whom sported blue items meant to represent the Democratic Party, waving placards showing support for Lee.
Occasional chants of "Lee Jae-myung for president!" could be heard.
Lee, forgoing his usual suit and tie for a casual, gray outfit, was greeted by a roaring crowd as he got out of his van.
"Are you ready for a completely new Korea that we will have when June 3 comes?" Lee shouted through the hubbub while standing on a chair.
Without mentioning his name, Lee took an apparent jab at his former presidential rival, the ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, and said, "As we have all just witnessed, when power lands in the wrong hands, the whole country suffers."
In a brief conversation with an older Imsil resident, whose name was not revealed, Lee said he would "build a country where young people flock to counties like Imsil."
It took Lee more than 20 minutes to reach the other end of the alley, which stretched for about 100 meters, as he paused many times for selfies and autographs. Lee waved, made heart gestures and held his thumbs up as he made his way.
At a meeting with the senior citizens' association, Lee vowed expansive support for retirement pension and other measures to tackle poverty among older Koreans.
"I think it's a big problem facing this country that so many, after hitting retirement, despite having worked hard their whole life, find themselves struggling financially," he said.
On the trail on Wednesday, Lee was accompanied by Jeong Eun-kyeong, the national disease control agency's former director credited with steering South Korea's COVID-19 response, who joined his campaign last month.
In a COVID-19 metaphor, Jeong said, "Our recovery to normal life will begin when we have a competent leader."
Lee is on day seven of his "listening tour" across the country, visiting rural towns and small businesses.
arin@heraldcorp.com
