Former President Lee Myung-bak emphasized on the 2nd, ahead of the 20th anniversary walking event for the restoration of Cheonggyecheon in Seoul, that "the country is currently in a difficult situation" and that "politics must stabilize for the economy to revive." He said, "The U.S. former President Trump's tariff policy, the North-Russia relations, and the war in Ukraine have made the situation in East Asia unstable," and added, "It is especially important for the people to unite during such times."
Former President Lee noted, "When the economy struggles, small business owners suffer the most. During the global financial crisis, it was the small business owners who experienced the greatest pain," and he stressed that "economic policies should be tailored to the realities of small businesses, medium-sized enterprises, and large corporations." He added, "We need a leader who can manage the household honestly and well, and a leader who can unite the people to save the country," and urged, "I hope the citizens will participate significantly in the voting."
On that day, Former President Lee, wearing a red windbreaker, participated in the walking event along Cheonggyecheon with about 10 former officials from the Lee Myung-bak (MB) administration, including his wife, Kim Yoon-ok, former Chief of Staff Chung Chung-kil, and former Senior Secretary Lee Jong-chan. The Cheonggyecheon restoration project, completed in September 2005 during his tenure as mayor of Seoul, is regarded as a representative achievement and a symbol of urban regeneration. The event attracted many citizens despite the rain, as they requested autographs and photos.
Former President Park Geun-hye also visited Busan, Ulsan, and Jinju, including Beomeosa, Jangsangpo, and Jinju's central market, respectively, on the same day to support candidate Kim Moon-soo. This followed her visit to Seomun Market in Daegu on the 31st of last month, directly reaching out to the heartland of conservatism.
There are interpretations within and outside the political sphere that Former President Park's appearance may serve as an opportunity to reunite the conservative faction, which had become divided after her impeachment. In fact, her visit to the site drew hundreds of supporters, demonstrating the symbolic rallying of conservatives.