Jeong Gyu-jae: "I was moved to tears listening to Lee Jae-myung's acceptance speech"

'Conservative commentator' Jeong Gyu-jae, former editor-in-chief of the Korea Economic Daily, stated that he was "moved to tears" after listening to the acceptance speech of Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea.

On the afternoon of the 27th, Jeong posted an article titled "Listening to Lee Jae-myung's acceptance speech as a presidential candidate" on his social media, sharing detailed impressions of the speech. He pointed out, "There were no words like 'overthrow' in the speech. The term 'coup d'état' was mentioned, but the name Yoon Seok-yeol was not mentioned even once." He continued, "The candidate made no mention at all of those who have indicted him five times."

He also assessed that "Although the candidate was a victim of prosecutorial dictatorship, he did not resort to derogatory language, calling opponents criminals like the candidates of the People Power Party."

"No language of hatred… Emphasized integration in the speech"

Jeong praised the absence of expressions of hatred or animosity towards political opponents in the candidate's speech. He noted, "In Lee Jae-myung's acceptance speech, there was no name mentioned except for former President Roh Moo-hyun. He didn't even use the term People Power Party."

He added, "He appealed for the creation of a good society, a happy society. I was moved to tears at that point," noting that the candidate emphasized the urgency of the nation's situation and stressed that there is no time to cling to ideologies, thoughts, or factions, repeating the word 'integration' more than ten times.

Furthermore, he remarked, "The gradual shift to the right that has been taking place was fully reflected in today's speech," adding, "The candidate's language has improved significantly in terms of clarity of thought."

"Focusing on people's livelihood, not ideology… Attempting to expand the centrist base"

In his acceptance speech, Lee Jae-myung emphasized the word 'integration' 14 times, more than 'crisis' (9 times) or 'rebellion' (8 times).

The candidate declared himself as "the candidate for all citizens," stating that "the President's primary task is to accomplish the responsibility of national integration."

He cited former President Roh Moo-hyun's statement from 23 years ago, when he was elected as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate: "Let's end the era of distrust and division and move towards an era of reform and integration," emphasizing that "today will also mark the beginning of a new era."

In particular, the candidate made it clear that there is no longer any time to be trapped in ideologies and thoughts that repeat division and conflict, prioritizing economic growth and people's livelihood issues. This is interpreted as a focus on appealing to the centrist base and expanding his reach.

Earlier, during a meeting with Jeong, the candidate reportedly said, "If I become president, I will completely set aside ideological issues. With people's livelihoods at stake, what is the point of ideology?" and "I will also cover up issues related to pro-Japanese collaborators or historical matters."

In this regard, during a debate invited by OhmyTV on the 23rd, the candidate reiterated, "Now is the time to focus on issues of livelihood rather than ideological debates," adding, "I intend to postpone such issues as much as possible."

Image source: Lee Jae-myung, Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate / News1, Channel A 'Political Signal'