Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, visited Gyeongbuk's Gumi and noted that there are various evaluations of former President Park Chung-hee, acknowledging his contributions to industrialization. This is an effort to reassess the former president, a symbolic figure of the conservative faction, in order to secure votes in the conservative stronghold of Yeongnam.
During a campaign speech at Gumi Station Plaza on the morning of the 13th, Lee Jae-myung asked, "Is this where former President Park Chung-hee was born?" He added, "Evaluations of former President Park vary. It's true that he was a bad person, but didn't he also have contributions to leading the industrialization of this country?"
He further emphasized, "If former President Park had not engaged in long-term rule and had only managed household affairs, the country would have become prosperous, and wouldn't everyone have praised him?" He went on to say, "What I want to convey is that if we elect capable and loyal workers for the country and the people, the world can change dramatically. Let's not divide ourselves childishly."
The candidate also said, "The most important issue is the problem of making a living. What does it matter if it's Park Chung-hee's policy or Kim Dae-jung's policy?" He mentioned, "So I decided to adopt something excellent that former President Park did. I created agriculture to build highways for sale."
He introduced the 'energy highway' as a policy similar to that of former President Park. Earlier, the candidate announced plans to establish a 'U-shaped energy highway' connecting the west coast, Honam, Yeongnam, and Gangwon, with a target completion date of 2040. The promise also includes expanding the 'sunshine and wind pension' nationwide, which generates revenue for local residents through wind and solar power.
The candidate stated, "We will lay down a power transmission grid capable of selling electricity to low-density areas experiencing population decline, and if there's surplus solar energy, we will sell it, and if there's a shortage, we will buy it and produce it." He added, "This will provide opportunities for rural areas, create jobs for farmers, and develop the wind and solar power industry."
The candidate emphasized 'national integration' at a rally the previous day and immediately visited Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK) the following day. His campaign rally that day was held in order: Gumi City in Gyeongbuk, Daegu Metropolitan City, Pohang City in Gyeongbuk, and Ulsan Metropolitan City.