Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited Bongha Village in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, on the 23rd, the 16th anniversary of the passing of former President Roh Moo-hyun. Lee paid his respects at Roh's gravesite, shedding tears and stating, "I will complete a true Republic of Korea."
On that day around 11 a.m., Lee visited Roh's gravesite in Bongha Village, South Gyeongsang Province. Dressed in a black suit and black tie, Lee, along with Kim Kyeong-soo, the chief election campaign director, observed a moment of silence and laid flowers at the stone marker for Roh Moo-hyun.
During the process of paying respects, Lee was seen shedding tears to the point where his eyes turned red. He wrote in the guestbook, "A dream of a country where people live together. A nation where the people are the masters, a country where the people have surrendered. I will complete a true Republic of Korea." After paying his respects, he attended a luncheon at the residence of former First Lady Kwon Yang-suk in Bongha Village.
After the luncheon, Lee met with reporters and noted, "It has been 16 years since former President Roh passed away due to the oppression of the political prosecution, and it is inevitable that my heart aches every time May 23rd comes around. (Former President Roh) dreamed of a world where there are no unfair advantages and privileges, and has left a significant legacy that drew a new line in Korean politics."
He also mentioned wiping away tears while paying respects at Roh's gravesite, stating, "Politics is turning into a war," and added, "Currently, it is not about unity in eliminating opposition, but rather, it is taking a form that divides the people. The victim of the movement to eliminate the opposition is former President Roh."
Former First Lady Kwon reportedly encouraged Lee, saying, "We can create hope with the strength of our people." Former President Moon Jae-in, who also attended the luncheon, urged Lee to "take on the great responsibility to create a proper country where the will of the people is properly respected."
The day before, Lee conducted a campaign rally in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, where former President Moon's residence is located, and then proceeded to visit former President Roh's gravesite to rally support for the Democratic camp. This move is interpreted as an effort to highlight the legitimacy of inheriting the 'Democratic government' and to consolidate support in the 21st presidential election.
Lee Jun-seok, the presidential candidate of the Reform Party, mentioned the prospect of a potential unification with Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party. He also highlighted that this presidential election is framed as a confrontation between 'insurrection forces' and 'constitutional protection forces.'
Lee stated, "From the candidate's perspective, I will always do my best," but added, "I predict that Lee Jun-seok will eventually pursue unification with the insurrection forces. I believe that the public will ultimately have to choose between the insurrection forces and the constitutional protection forces."