Lee Jun-seok, the Reform Party presidential candidate, visited Gwangju Metropolitan City, a 'stronghold of progressivism,' on the 19th to attract voters. This is interpreted as a strategy to target defecting votes in Gwangju, a region traditionally supportive of the Democratic Party of Korea.
On that day, the candidate visited the Kumho Tire fire site in Gwangju's Gwangsan District in the afternoon, where he received an explanation about the extent of the damage from officials. Earlier, on the morning of the 17th, a fire broke out at the Kumho Tire second plant, resulting in a 'national firefighting mobilization order' and a firefighting operation that continued for three days.
The candidate met with officials from Kumho Tire and stated, "Since this place makes a significant contribution to employment in Gwangju, it should be restored quickly" and added, "Given the tremendous disaster situation, the political sector will also come together to find ways to help and provide support."
The candidate then visited the site of the complex shopping mall 'The Hyundai Gwangju' located in Gwangju's Buk District.
'The Hyundai Gwangju' is the first complex shopping mall to be established in Gwangju. During the 2022 presidential election, Lee Jun-seok, who was the chairperson of the People Power Party, had promised to attract a complex shopping mall to Gwangju, which is evaluated as having inferior cultural facilities compared to other regions.
The candidate met with officials from Gwangju City Hall on-site and said, "I have always told the mayor that I will help in any aspect where I can contribute to the development of Gwangju" and added, "As facilities come in one by one, Gwangju will gradually change. Call me when you have the completion ceremony."
The candidate also took time to communicate with the 2030 generation in the Gwangju region.
He also visited the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in Gwangju's Gwangsan District and conversed with science and engineering students. The candidate noted, "I believe that there can be attempts to link artificial intelligence (AI) with the automotive sector, which is a major industry in the region," and expressed hope that the local political sector would provide facilities for demonstrations.
He emphasized 'diversified investment' to Gwangju voters, appealing for their votes.
The candidate stated, "Four years ago, I shouted until my voice was hoarse for the voters here to make a judgment for the future generation of Gwangju, and you rewarded me with high votes in the local elections," and added, "The Democratic Party has thought of the votes that have held Gwangju captive until now. Show me that it will be different now."
In the last local elections in 2022, the People Power Party achieved the highest voter turnout ever for candidates in Honam, an area considered a barren land for conservative parties, including Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk. It also secured second place in party votes, marking a success in entering the provincial council.
The candidate raised his voice, saying, "The Honam region also needs to diversify investments," and labeled the Reform Party as the 'right person' to replace the Democratic Party, citing its opposition to the martial law, support for impeachment, and thoughtful consideration of issues facing the younger generation.