What Happened During Lee's Meeting with Moon Ahead of South Korea's Election?
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Synopsis
As South Korea's presidential election approaches, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung meets with former President Moon Jae-in. They discuss the importance of respecting citizens' wishes and address concerns over prosecutorial power. With the election just days away, the political landscape intensifies.
Key Takeaways
- Lee Jae-myung meets with former President Moon Jae-in ahead of the election.
- Concerns over prosecutorial power impacting social divisions.
- Lee leads in polls with 45% support, while Kim Moon-soo follows at 36%.
- Upcoming debate will focus on key social issues.
- Lee Jun-seok of the NRP gains traction in the race.
Seoul, May 23 (NationPress) - In a significant development ahead of the presidential election in South Korea, Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung disclosed on Friday that he had a meeting with former President Moon Jae-in, just 11 days before the crucial vote.
The two leaders came together to pay their respects during a memorial service commemorating the 16th anniversary of the late President Roh Moo-hyun's passing in Bongha, the village where Roh resided post-retirement.
This meeting marked the first encounter between Lee and Moon since Lee secured the DP nomination, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
During their discussion, Moon urged Lee to create a nation that honors the wishes of its citizens, as Lee later shared with the press.
They expressed mutual concerns regarding the detrimental impact of prosecutorial power on South Korea's institutions and the widening social rift over the last three years, according to DP's senior spokesperson Rep. Cho Seung-rae.
On the electoral front, Lee was reported to be leading his opponent from the People Power Party (PPP), Kim Moon-soo, with a support rate of 45% compared to Kim's 36%, according to a recent survey.
A Gallup Korea poll conducted with 1,002 adults from Tuesday to Thursday indicated that Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party was in third place with 10%, while 8% of respondents were undecided.
Notably, Lee's support saw a decline of 6 percentage points compared to the previous week, while Kim and Lee Jun-seok experienced increases of 7 and 2 percentage points, respectively.
Support for the liberal DP was reported at 42%, juxtaposed with 36% for the conservative PPP.
The poll's margin of error stood at 3.1 percentage points, with a 95% confidence level, as per Yonhap news.
Additionally, four presidential candidates were preparing to engage in a debate focusing on social issues on Friday night.
Lee Jun-seok of the NRP achieved his initial double-digit support, while Kim continued to solicit a merger of their candidacies to more effectively contest against DP's Lee.
On Thursday, the NRP's Lee affirmed his commitment to remain in the race until Election Day.
The three candidates, along with Kwon Young-kook from the minor Democratic Labor Party, will participate in a debate hosted by the National Election Commission at 8 p.m. The agenda includes strategies to mitigate social divisions, promote national unity, and address topics such as pension reforms, healthcare, and climate change.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the evolving dynamics between candidates and former leaders. The meeting between Lee Jae-myung and Moon Jae-in illustrates a commitment to addressing the nation's challenges. As the election nears, the emphasis on citizen engagement and institutional integrity is crucial. Our perspective remains focused on fostering a democratic process that truly reflects the will of the people.
NationPress
02/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Lee Jae-myung's meeting with Moon Jae-in?
The meeting aimed to pay respects at a memorial service for Roh Moo-hyun and to discuss building a nation that respects the will of the people.
How is the current election shaping up in South Korea?
Recent polls show Lee Jae-myung leading with 45% support against his opponent Kim Moon-soo's 36%.
What issues are the candidates focusing on in the upcoming debate?
Candidates will discuss social divisions, national unity, pension reforms, healthcare, and climate change.
