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Lee Kwang-jae: 'I am the only candidate who can persuade conservative voters in Hanam'

From Hankyoreh · (6m ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Lee Kwang-jae, a candidate for the Democratic Party in the Hanam-갑 constituency by-election, stated he is the only candidate who can persuade centrist and conservative voters in the region.
  • He aims to connect Hanam with the provincial government and the national assembly, leveraging his experience as a former Gangwon governor and his relationships with key political figures.
  • Lee criticized the opposing candidate, Lee Yong, as a

As the Democratic Party's candidate for the Hanam-갑 by-election, I, Lee Kwang-jae, am keenly aware of the district's unique political landscape and its potential for growth. Hanam is a region with diverse needs and a significant centrist and conservative voter base, and I am confident that my background and policy proposals resonate most effectively with these constituents. My previous roles as governor of Gangwon Province and my deep understanding of regional development issues position me uniquely to address Hanam's challenges and unlock its future potential.

Hanam has many regional issues and a large number of centrist and conservative voters. I am the only candidate who can persuade conservative voters.

— Lee Kwang-jaeLee Kwang-jae, candidate for the Democratic Party in the Hanam-갑 constituency by-election, explaining his appeal to voters.

The upcoming election presents a critical juncture for both Hanam and the broader political discourse in South Korea. My opponent, Lee Yong, is closely associated with former President Yoon Suk-yeol, and his candidacy represents a continuation of a political approach that I believe has proven divisive and unproductive. The Democratic Party, and indeed the nation, must move beyond this era. Electing me would not only bring dedicated representation to Hanam but also contribute to a healthier, more constructive political environment in the National Assembly.

If 'Yoon Again' gains strength, healthy conservatives will be driven out, and Yeouido politics will become a battlefield. The people must judge so that the People Power Party can break away from former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

— Lee Kwang-jaeLee Kwang-jae criticizing his opponent, Lee Yong, who is known as a 'guard' of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

My immediate priority upon election will be to tackle Hanam's pressing transportation issues. This includes securing the necessary funding for the rapid commencement of the Songpa-Hanam (Line 3) and Gangdong-Hanam (Line 9) subway extensions, as well as advancing plans for the GTX-D and Wirye-Sinsa Line extensions. Furthermore, I am committed to resolving the illogical disparity in school district boundaries that currently separates areas separated by mere roads. These are not just infrastructure projects; they are vital steps toward creating a more equitable and connected Hanam.

Hanam is adjacent to Bundang and Gangwon, so it is not unfamiliar. If elected, I will definitely take root here.

— Lee Kwang-jaeLee Kwang-jae expressing his commitment to the Hanam-갑 constituency.

Some may question my sudden appearance in Hanam, but true understanding of a region goes beyond mere familiarity. It requires knowing how to navigate the corridors of power in Seoul and the provincial government to deliver tangible results. My track record, including resolving the long-standing issue of the Seongnam Air Base altitude restriction while I was not even a local representative, demonstrates my ability to get things done. I am here to plant deep roots in Hanam and serve its people effectively, forging strong connections between Hanam, the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, and the National Assembly.

If I am elected, a strong connection will be formed linking Hanam, former Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung (if elected President), and Hanam-갑 representative Choo Mi-ae (if elected Gyeonggi Governor).

— Lee Kwang-jaeLee Kwang-jae explaining the political leverage he would bring to Hanam.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.