Lee Jae-myung Achieves Major Victory in South Korean Presidential Primary
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Synopsis
Lee Jae-myung, the former leader of the Democratic Party, secured a decisive victory in the primary elections held in southwestern South Korea, indicating strong support ahead of the June 3 Presidential election.
Key Takeaways
- Lee Jae-myung won 88.69% of the votes in the DP primary.
- The Honam regions are a traditional stronghold for the DP.
- Lee criticizes the conservative government's approach to development.
- This win adds to his previous victories in Chungcheong and Gyeongsang regions.
- Lee leads in recent opinion polls.
Seoul, April 26 (NationPress) Former Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung achieved another significant victory on Saturday in his quest for the candidacy for the forthcoming June 3 Presidential election, triumphing in the primary held in the nation's southwestern region.
Lee garnered 88.69 percent of the votes in the DP's primary in Gwangju and the North and South Jeolla provinces, as reported by party officials.
Regarded as a formidable candidate for the liberal party, Lee has consistently led in recent opinion polls, according to Yonhap news agency.
“I believe the people of Honam have placed even greater expectations and responsibilities on my shoulders,” Lee remarked following the announcement of the results.
The Jeolla regions, often referred to as the Honam regions, are recognized as a stronghold for the DP.
Lee emphasized that these regions warrant increased investment, criticizing the conservative government, which traditionally dominates the southeast, for its “deficient” approach to balanced development across the nation.
“We must invest significantly more in the area... Balanced development is not merely about supporting local regions, but is a vital choice for our country’s growth and prosperity,” he stated.
This latest victory follows his decisive wins in the central Chungcheong and southeastern Gyeongsang primaries.
Trailing behind Lee was Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon, who secured 7.41 percent, followed by former South Gyeongsang Governor Kim Kyung-soo with 3.90 percent.
On April 19, Lee had already achieved an impressive victory in a primary in the central Chungcheong region, winning 88.15 percent of the total votes in a presidential primary across South and North Chungcheong provinces, as well as Daejeon and Sejong cities, according to party officials.
He decisively beat the DP's other two candidates—Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon, who received 7.54 percent, and Kim Kyung-soo, a former governor of South Gyeongsang Province, with 4.31 percent.
