Lee Jun-seok, the presidential candidate of the Reform Party, launched a full-scale campaign for the second day in Gwangju, a stronghold of progressives. He emphasized on this day that he would inherit the spirit of former President Roh Moo-hyun, who dreamed of harmony between the Yeongnam and Honam regions, at key locations in the city such as the Gwangju City Hall and Chonnam National University. This is interpreted as an attempt to target the centrist voters in Gwangju.
On that day, the candidate visited Gwangju City Hall in the Seo-gu district and met with Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung. Mayor Kang noted, "You must know that this area has suffered the pain of May and has been marginalized in industry for a long time, so it is not rich in jobs or industry," adding, "Gwangju is now trying to stand anew centered on artificial intelligence (AI) and the future mobility industry."
The candidate responded by saying, "I have been preparing policies with a lot of interest in Gwangju," and added, "During my time as the chairman of the People Power Party in 2021, I had proposed many considerations for Gwangju, including a complex shopping mall and such things."
He further stated, "I understand that there are many concerns about how Gwangju will revive its industry and create jobs, and I also hope for progress in the fields of AI and especially mobility, and I intend to actively support this."
Afterwards, the candidate had a meal with students at Chonnam National University in the Buk-gu district of Gwangju and engaged in conversation. He discussed various issues with the students, including the situation of regional public universities, minimum wage, pension reform, employment issues, and youth entrepreneurship.
The candidate told voters that "the goal of my political life is to become a party that can talk in Gyeongsang-do and also speak in Jeollado, so that we can make a unified voice on issues where regional understanding aligns," adding, "This was also a dream once envisioned by former President Roh Moo-hyun, and I want to inherit that dream."