Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, has sold out a pair of sneakers that became famous after he wore them. /Courtesy of Reebok

On the first day of the campaign, Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, wore sneakers that became a hot topic, leading to a sell-out crisis on online shopping malls. As the stock ran out on the official website of the sneakers, some sellers began offering them at more than 10 times the original retail price.

According to the retail industry on the 14th, the sneakers that the candidate wore are the 'Classic Leather GY15222' model released by Reebok in 2022. Most online stores, including Reebok's official website, are either 'sold out' or 'expected to be restocked.' On Coupang, all sizes except for one size 265 mm have been sold.

Currently, the sneakers are being sold for 339,300 won on Gmarket and Auction. Considering that the retail price of these sneakers (based on Reebok's official website) is 35,600 won, the price assigned is at a level 10 times higher than the price they were sold for on other e-commerce platforms before the candidate wore them. Another seller on Naver Store is offering the sneakers at a relatively cheaper price of 145,500 won, but the only available size is 295 mm.

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is wearing sneakers during the launch ceremony and first campaign in Gwanghwamun Cheonggye Plaza on the 12th, the first day of the official election campaign for the 6·3 Presidential Election. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

Earlier, on the first day of the official campaign for the 21st presidential election, which was the 12th, the candidate launched his first campaign in Gwanghwamun Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul. Upon arriving at the launch site, he took off his suit and changed into a blue Democratic Party jumper and swapped his dress shoes for sneakers.

At this time, the sneakers worn by the candidate stood out because they combined blue, the symbol of the Democratic Party, and red, the symbol of the People Power Party. That day he said, “I will take the lead in uniting the people, which is the president's first mission, with a posture that is more humble and gather the ardent and desperate aspirations of all to ensure victory.”

This is interpreted as reflecting the candidate's intention to convey a message of unity between the ruling and opposition parties. During the last 20th presidential election, the candidate was reported to have worn blue sneakers.