Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, noted after finishing the party's primary on the 27th, referring to former President Roh Moo-hyun, "Let us end the era of distrust and division and move toward an era of reform and integration."
The candidate stated in his acceptance speech after being elected as a presidential candidate at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on this day, "23 years ago today, Roh Moo-hyun was elected as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate."
He emphasized, "Being elected as the presidential candidate with an overwhelming support of 89%, which is unprecedented in history, is a heartfelt wish for realizing democracy and human rights, peace and security, recovery and growth, integration and happiness." He added, "I want to create a normal local self-government where the will of the people is respected in everyday life, a genuine democratic republic."
On this day, the candidate surpassed Kim Kyeong-soo (3.36%) and Kim Dong-yeon (6.87%) candidates with a vote rate of 89.77%, which combined votes from party members and national delegates with public opinion polls.
The candidate recalled the 20th presidential election, where he faced former President Yoon Suk-yeol, pledging to win the presidency. He promised to become a 'one team' that reflects the pledges of fellow primary candidates Kim Kyeong-soo and Kim Dong-yeon. He also stated his intention to inherit the spirit of the preceding administrations of Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in.
The candidate said, "Three years ago on this day, we lost in a decisive contest where the fate of this country was at stake. It was all due to my shortcomings," adding, "A heavy sense of responsibility that is hard to measure makes my head bow naturally."
He continued, "I thank Kim Kyeong-soo and Kim Dong-yeon for having a beautiful competition until the end. Kim Dong-yeon's vision is Lee Jae-myung's vision, and Kim Kyeong-soo's dream is Lee Jae-myung's dream," stating, "From this moment on, Lee Jae-myung is the candidate of the Democratic Party and the candidate of all citizens yearning for the end of civil strife, overcoming crisis, integration, and national happiness."
The candidate presented visions such as ▲a leading advanced industrial nation attracting AI talent ▲a balanced development nation where rural, mountain, and fishing areas thrive ▲a security stronghold equipped with cutting-edge weapons ▲a cultural nation rewriting the global standard for content ▲a model democratic state rationally adjusting conflicts ▲a happiness nation of 'Well-being-ism' through integration and harmony.
He stressed, "There is no time to be bound by the past, to be caught up in ideological camps, and to repeat division and conflict," emphasizing that "Lee Jae-myung is a valuable tool for the people and a loyal representative worker who will create a 'real Republic of Korea' leading the world."