Jeong Cheong-rae: "I Am the One Who Will Stand by Lee Jae-myung Until the End"…Proposes 'Four-Way Integration' in Gwangju

Emphasizing Unification Among Supporters of Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jae-myung
"Stop Internal Divisions and Achieve a Grand Unity of Democratic and Progressive Forces"
"Honam as the Sacred Ground for the Future Economic Revolution Beyond Democratization"

Jeong Cheong-rae, former leader, characterized the party leadership election not as a personal political gamble, but as a choice for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Visiting Gwangju, he proposed the unification of the Democratic Party’s support base by connecting the party's lineage from Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, to Lee Jae-myung, emphasizing that he is the right person to carry on this legacy to the end.

Jeong Cheong-rae, a contender for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated during a special lecture hosted by Honam Ilbo TV at Chosun University in Gwangju on the 10th, "I am the one who has protected President Lee Jae-myung, and I believe I am the one who will continue to protect him until the end," adding, "Those who have supported Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and Lee Jae-myung must all unite."

Jeong Cheong-rae, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the "Honam Ilbo TV 1st Anniversary Special Lecture" held on the afternoon of the 10th at the Haeurum Hall of Chosun University in Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News

Jeong presented his so-called 'Four-Way Integration' plan, stating, "For Korea to advance as one of the three leading AI nations and into the world’s top five economies, not only must President Lee Jae-myung’s five-year term be successful, but the next democratic government must also come from the Democratic Party." He stressed the importance of unity between the pro-Moon and pro-Lee camps, saying, "You cannot cut the roots and expect the flowers to bloom. Without Kim Dae-jung, there would have been no Roh Moo-hyun; without Roh Moo-hyun, no Moon Jae-in; and without Moon Jae-in, no Lee Jae-myung."

He also delivered a message warning against internal division. "Let’s not fight or divide among ourselves, and let’s not mock one another," he said. "Outside the party, we must unite where unity is needed and form alliances where alliances are needed, in order to achieve a grand unity of democratic and progressive forces."

Referring to the vote on President Lee's arrest motion, his hunger strike, and the court review of his arrest warrant, Jeong highlighted their political partnership. He said, "People say various things about the party convention, but I believe Jeong Cheong-rae is the one who will stand with President Lee Jae-myung until the end. Do not worry." Responding to criticisms that he is engaging in 'personal politics,' he retorted, "To those who attack me for pursuing personal politics, let me ask you: have you spent 100% of your time on others' politics?"

Regarding the development of the Honam region and the semiconductor cluster, he emphasized the foundational groundwork laid during the Moon Jae-in administration. "Do you know why a semiconductor cluster is being established in Gwangju and Jeonnam with an 800 trillion won investment?" he asked. "It is because President Moon Jae-in built out extensive wind and solar infrastructure in Gwangju and Jeonnam." He continued, "Semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers require electricity and water. Because the Moon Jae-in government created this infrastructure in Honam, President Lee Jae-myung judged that Gwangju and Jeonnam, with their abundant electricity and water, would be ideal locations."

He also said, "Special sacrifices deserve special rewards," adding, "It is time for the nation to answer how it has repaid Honam’s dedication and sacrifice in advancing Korean democracy, which is why I created the Special Committee for Honam Development." He went on, "I am proud to have contributed to Honam’s development. Honam will become a symbol of democratization and a sacred place for Korea as a major power, and just as democratic revolutions began in Honam in the past, the revolution for future economic development will also start in Honam."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.