The Korea Times
amn_close.png
amn_bl.png
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
amn_bl.png
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
  • World Expo 2030
amn_bl.png
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
amn_bl.png
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to the Editor
amn_bl.png
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
amn_bl.png
Entertainment & Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
amn_bl.png
Sports
  • Hangzhou Asian Games
amn_bl.png
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
amn_bl.png
Video
  • Korean Storytellers
  • POPKORN
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
amn_bl.png
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
amn_NK.png amn_DR.png amn_LK.png amn_LE.png
  • bt_fb_on_2022.svgbt_fb_over_2022.svg
  • bt_X_on_2023.svgbt_X_over_2023.svg
  • bt_youtube_on_2022.svgbt_youtube_over_2022.svg
  • bt_instagram_on_2022.svgbt_instagram_over_2022.svg
The Korea Times
amn_close.png
amn_bl.png
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
amn_bl.png
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
  • World Expo 2030
amn_bl.png
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
amn_bl.png
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to the Editor
amn_bl.png
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
amn_bl.png
Entertainment & Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
amn_bl.png
Sports
  • Hangzhou Asian Games
amn_bl.png
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
amn_bl.png
Video
  • Korean Storytellers
  • POPKORN
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
amn_bl.png
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
amn_NK.png amn_DR.png amn_LK.png amn_LE.png
  • bt_fb_on_2022.svgbt_fb_over_2022.svg
  • bt_X_on_2023.svgbt_X_over_2023.svg
  • bt_youtube_on_2022.svgbt_youtube_over_2022.svg
  • bt_instagram_on_2022.svgbt_instagram_over_2022.svg
  • Login
  • Register
  • Login
  • Register
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • all menu
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Photos
  • Video
  • World
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment & Art
  • Lifestyle
  • Finance
  • Business
  • National
  • North Korea
  • 1

    Young K-pop couple Choi Min-hwan, Yulhee announce divorce

  • 3

    'Single's Inferno' is back with most interesting season, producer says

  • 5

    Korea could disappear from map if it doesn't welcome more immigrants: justice minister

  • 7

    Italy withdraws from China's Belt and Road project

  • 9

    Late K-pop star Moonbin's memorial space shut down after fans complain

  • 11

    Korean gov't slammed for mishandling victims of sex trafficking

  • 13

    Korean students rank among top performers among OECD nations in educational performance: report

  • 15

    Uncertainty lingers despite BLACKPINK's contract renewal

  • 17

    Hankook Tire mired in sibling feud again

  • 19

    INTERVIEWFemale leadership not just diversity issue, but survival necessity

  • 2

    ANALYSISWhy is N. Korea not allowed to launch spy satellites?

  • 4

    BTS' V and BLACKPINK's Jennie break up: sources

  • 6

    Seoul launches regular nighttime self-driving bus service

  • 8

    Will Seoul's new transportation services improve convenience for commuters?

  • 10

    Samsung tightens employee discipline amid chip industry downturn

  • 12

    GOING ELECTRICThe complex decision to buy an electric scooter in Korea

  • 14

    How a regrettable tattoo led to a South African's musical journey

  • 16

    Reality show 'Home Alone' celebrates decade-long run

  • 18

    YG Entertainment's stock price soars over renewed contract with BLACKPINK

  • 20

    Korea indirectly supplied more 155-mm shells for Ukraine than all European countries combined: WP

Close scrollclosebutton

Close for 24 hours

Open
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • all menu
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Photos
  • Video
  • World
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment & Art
  • Lifestyle
  • Finance
  • Business
  • National
  • North Korea
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Thu, December 7, 2023 | 21:34
Election 2022
Official campaigning kicks off; no progress in Yoon-Ahn coalition
Posted : 2022-02-15 16:48
Updated : 2022-02-16 00:08
Nam Hyun-woo
Print PreviewPrint Preview
Font Size UpFont Size Up
Font Size DownFont Size Down
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • kakaolink
  • whatsapp
  • reddit
  • mailto
  • link
Ruling Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung poses during his public speech in Daegu, Tuesday, the first day of the official campaign period for the March 9 presidential election. Joint Press Corps
Ruling Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung poses during his public speech in Daegu, Tuesday, the first day of the official campaign period for the March 9 presidential election. Joint Press Corps

Lee highlights pragmatism to appeal to swing voters; Yoon lashes out at 'incompetent' ruling party

By Nam Hyun-woo

Ruling Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung poses during his public speech in Daegu, Tuesday, the first day of the official campaign period for the March 9 presidential election. Joint Press Corps
The official campaign period for the March 9 presidential election began on Tuesday, with candidates and their supporters now allowed to use campaign trucks, leaflets, placards and other campaign items to woo voters.

Rival candidates of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) spent the first day of the official campaign period traveling cross-country from Seoul to Busan, with DPK candidate Lee Jae-myung stressing pragmatism and bipartisanship and the PPP's Yoon Suk-yeol highlighting the necessity of leadership change.

According to the National Election Commission, the campaign period will last for 22 days until March 8.

During the period, candidates are allowed to use campaign vehicles and audio systems for public speeches, wear campaign uniforms and spread leaflets and other documents related to their campaign. Staffers at their camps are also allowed to engage in canvassing.

Lee started his official campaign with a public speech in the southern port city of Busan, a conservative stronghold, stressing bipartisanship in his policies. He then visited Daegu, also on the home turf of conservatives, as well as the more centrist Daejeon, before heading up to Seoul to wind up the first day of campaigning.

"If there's a good policy, I will adopt it even if it is proposed by Hong Joon-pyo or Park Chung-hee, and that is pragmatism," Lee said. "It doesn't matter the policy is from the left or right. If it benefits the public, I will do whatever it takes."

Rep. Hong Joon-pyo was the primary rival of PPP's Yoon. Park Chung-hee is the former conservative president who had been in office from 1961 to 1979 and is remembered for his dual legacy of authoritarianism and human rights abuses, as well as Korea's dramatic rise from the world's poorest country to one of the economic powerhouses of Asia.

"I will change the people's lives by putting an emphasis on the economy," Lee said. "I will become the commander-in-chief to overcome the current crisis and make Korea one of the top five economies of the world, as well as bringing people's hearts together, rather than dividing them with hatred."

In recent weeks, Lee has striving to highlight pragmatism, floating the idea of a bipartisan government ― a coalition with every political group that intends for political changes and public unity. This is seen as an apparent bid to appeal to centrist and swing voters, amid a neck-and-neck race with Yoon in surveys.

In a survey released Monday by Kantar Korea, Yoon was ahead of the pack with a 38.8 percent support rate, followed by Lee with 33.2 percent. The survey, conducted in collaboration with the Chosun Ilbo newspaper and broadcaster TV Chosun, questioned 1,010 adults from Feb. 12 to 13. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. Further details of the survey are available on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.

COVID-19 patients can vote in presidential election
COVID-19 patients can vote in presidential election
2022-02-15 16:31
Lee's comments about housing prices irritate Gimpo residents
Lee's comments about housing prices irritate Gimpo residents
2022-02-15 09:02  |  Politics
Singer under fire for likening Yoon's wife to Michael Jackson for plastic surgery
Singer under fire for likening Yoon's wife to Michael Jackson for plastic surgery
2022-02-15 17:06
Ruling Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung poses during his public speech in Daegu, Tuesday, the first day of the official campaign period for the March 9 presidential election. Joint Press Corps
Main opposition People Power Party presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol makes hand gestures showing his candidate No.2 during a public speech in Daejeon, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps

Yoon started campaigning in Seoul and moved in the opposite direction from Lee, visiting Daejeon, Daegu and Busan.

"The country is collapsing under the corrupt and incapable DPK government. Are you going to watch this without doing anything?" Yoon said during his speech at a plaza in downtown Seoul. "We should hand down a stern judgment on the DPK administration."

Yoon also underscored his campaign pledge to relocate the presidential office, calling for the "Gwanghwamun era," his name for a plan to relocate the presidential office from Cheong Wa Dae into the Government Complex in Gwanghwamun.

"Presidential power is limited but presidential responsibility is unlimited, and I will not forget this," Yoon said. "I will end the Cheong Wa Dae era, during which the presidential office reigned above the people, and open the Gwanghwamun era."

Ruling Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung poses during his public speech in Daegu, Tuesday, the first day of the official campaign period for the March 9 presidential election. Joint Press Corps
People's Party presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo speaks during a public speech in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, Tuesday. Courtesy of People's Party

Ruling Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung poses during his public speech in Daegu, Tuesday, the first day of the official campaign period for the March 9 presidential election. Joint Press Corps
Justice Party presidential candidate Sim Sang-jung makes hand gestures to show her candidate No.3 during a public speech in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Tuesday. Yonhap
Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party and Sim Sang-jung of the Justice Party also began their official campaigns by visiting major cities of the country.

Centrist Ahn visited Daegu as his first stop, in an apparent bid to appeal to conservative voters before talks on forming a single candidacy with Yoon. Progressive Sim visited Iksan and Jeonju, both in the liberal stronghold of North Jeolla Province, to begin her official campaign.

Though the contenders kicked off their official campaign activities, Ahn's proposal of a merging candidacies with Yoon is showing no signs of noticeable progress.

During his visit to Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, Ahn demanded Yoon reply, saying "I am waiting for Yoon's answer."

"Since I made the offer as a presidential candidate, the PPP's presidential candidate should give an answer," Ahn said.

The No. 3 candidate on Sunday offered the idea of selecting a candidate between him and Yoon based on public opinion polls, adding he will not consider any other means in forming a single candidacy. According to Ahn's campaign chief Rep. Lee Tae-kyu, the People's Party has set Wednesday as a deadline.

However, Yoon has yet to respond directly to Ahn's proposal.


Emailnamhw@koreatimes.co.kr Article ListMore articles by this reporter
 
wooribank
LG group
Top 10 Stories
1Korea could disappear from map if it doesn't welcome more immigrants: justice minister Korea could disappear from map if it doesn't welcome more immigrants: justice minister
2YG Entertainment's stock price soars over renewed contract with BLACKPINK YG Entertainment's stock price soars over renewed contract with BLACKPINK
3Yoon expected to replace foreign minister soon Yoon expected to replace foreign minister soon
4[INTERVIEW] Korea has great opportunity to lead green transition INTERVIEWKorea has great opportunity to lead green transition
5Rising Thai politician seeks to tackle growing challenges between Seoul, Bangkok Rising Thai politician seeks to tackle growing challenges between Seoul, Bangkok
6[INTERVIEW] Namseoul University leads adoption of innovative IB education programs INTERVIEWNamseoul University leads adoption of innovative IB education programs
7KAI boosts partnerships with Egypt at defense fair KAI boosts partnerships with Egypt at defense fair
8Real estate project financing poses biggest risk to Korean economy in 2024: S&P, NICE Real estate project financing poses biggest risk to Korean economy in 2024: S&P, NICE
9Genesis BBQ fosters Vietnam as Southeast Asia hub Genesis BBQ fosters Vietnam as Southeast Asia hub
10Is career diplomat suitable to lead SMEs ministry? Is career diplomat suitable to lead SMEs ministry?
Top 5 Entertainment News
1Late K-pop star Moonbin's memorial space shut down after fans complain Late K-pop star Moonbin's memorial space shut down after fans complain
2Uncertainty lingers despite BLACKPINK's contract renewalUncertainty lingers despite BLACKPINK's contract renewal
3[INTERVIEW] Song Kang discuss shortened screen time in 'Sweet Home 2' INTERVIEWSong Kang discuss shortened screen time in 'Sweet Home 2'
4[INTERVIEW] Meet the man behind giant rubber ducks that once took over Seoul INTERVIEWMeet the man behind giant rubber ducks that once took over Seoul
5Auction house Phillips appoints new regional director of Korea Auction house Phillips appoints new regional director of Korea
DARKROOM
  • It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

  • 2023 Thanksgiving parade in NYC

    2023 Thanksgiving parade in NYC

  • Appreciation of autumn colors

    Appreciation of autumn colors

  • Our children deserve better

    Our children deserve better

  • Israel-Gaza conflict erupts into war

    Israel-Gaza conflict erupts into war

  • Turkey-Syria earthquake

    Turkey-Syria earthquake

  • Nepal plane crash

    Nepal plane crash

  • Brazil capital uprising

    Brazil capital uprising

  • Happy New Year 2023

    Happy New Year 2023

  • World Cup 2022 Final - Argentina vs France

    World Cup 2022 Final - Argentina vs France

CEO & Publisher: Oh Young-jin
Digital News Email: webmaster@koreatimes.co.kr
Tel: 02-724-2114
Online newspaper registration No: 서울,아52844
Date of registration: 2020.02.05
Masthead: The Korea Times
Copyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.
  • About Us
  • Introduction
  • History
  • Contact Us
  • Products & Services
  • Subscribe
  • E-paper
  • RSS Service
  • Content Sales
  • Site Map
  • Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Ombudsman
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • Copyright Policy
  • Family Site
  • Hankook Ilbo
  • Dongwha Group