Ahead of the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo visit Gwangju to target votes in Honam.
On the 17th, one day before the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung and People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo visited Gwangju together, putting all their efforts into winning over the sentiments of the Honam region.
The two candidates paid their respects at the May 18 Memorial Park, commemorating the victims and appealing for support from the voters in Honam in their own ways.
Kim Moon-soo visited the May 18 Memorial Park in the morning and wrote in the guestbook, "Democracy written in the blood of May Gwangju." He paid respects at the graves of martyr Yoon Sang-won, the spokesperson of the citizens' army during the May 18 uprising, and Park Kwan-hyun, the president of the student council at Chonnam National University, who died during a hunger strike while in prison.
"Democracy written in the blood of May Gwangju."
In particular, Kim recalled his own experience of being imprisoned in the solitary confinement cell of Gwangju Prison where Park was held, becoming emotional and tearing up. He stated, "Whenever I come to Gwangju, I pay respects at Park Kwan-hyun's grave, and his sister is still alive. She continues to mourn her brother, and there are too many painful memories."
Both candidates target Honam sentiments in their own ways.
Kim continued his campaign by presiding over a field election committee meeting at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju, stating, "I am convinced that the sacrifices of May do not speak for the democracy of the Democratic Party." He promised to devote everything to the victory of democracy and the spirit of May Gwangju.
He visited Jeonju Jeondong Catholic Church and Jeonju Hanok Village to campaign, focusing efforts on securing votes in the Honam region, and held discussions with the Jeonbuk Personal Taxi Association.
In the afternoon, Lee Jae-myung visited the May 18 Memorial Park to attend a memorial ceremony. He wrote in the guestbook, "A world of coexistence. I will complete the revolution of light with the spirit of May Gwangju," reaffirming his determination for a presidential victory. After paying respects at the Chung Hoon Tower, he visited the grave of martyr Kim Dong-soo to honor the spirits of the May 18 victims.
"A world of coexistence. I will complete the revolution of light with the spirit of May Gwangju."
After the memorial ceremony, Lee continued his campaign in Naju, Jeollanam-do, and Gwangju Metropolitan City.
He noted the recent loss of the Democratic Party candidate in the by-election for the head of Damyang County, saying, "It seems like they are slightly letting their guard down, so they were dropped," expressing humility by acknowledging, "That was well done." He also added, "Honam is not just a stronghold; it is a living deadweight," stating, "They support the Democratic Party, but they can be scolded and taken away at any time. Therefore, the Democratic Party always has fear regarding Honam."
On this day, at the Gwangju campaign venue, former lawmaker Kim Yong-nam, who left the Reform Party, publicly declared his support for Lee.
Additionally, Lee participated in an 'e-sports industry field meeting,' directly grabbing a mouse and playing the popular game 'LOL' (League of Legends) to communicate with younger voters.
Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok had a busy schedule that day with a lecture at the 'Open Young Doctors Forum' in Seoul and a 'Potluck Party with University Students by the Han River,' before performing street campaigning in Seongsu-dong and Hongdae to meet voters in the metropolitan area.
Image source: Kim Moon-soo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, is seen crying and deep in thought at the site of the Gwangju Prison in the North District of Gwangju on the morning of the 17th. (Provided by Kim Moon-soo's camp. Redistribution and database use prohibited) 2025.5.17 / News1. Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is embracing former lawmaker Kim Yong-nam, who had served as the policy chair of the Reform Party after leaving the People Power Party, during a concentrated campaign held at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju on the 17th. (Joint coverage) 2025.5.17 / News1.
