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Lee Jae-myung (center), presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, poses for a photo with senior campaign chiefs Yoon Yeo-joon (left) and Park Chan-dae during the launch ceremony of the party’s central election committee for the 21st presidential election at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Seoul on April 30. / Photo by Song Ui-joo

The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) officially launched its central election committee on April 30, pledging national unity, economic recovery, and the restoration of democracy ahead of the 21st presidential election.

At the ceremony held at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Seoul, the party unveiled its campaign under the slogan “The Real Korea,” aiming to bring together both conservative and progressive voices.

Presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung presented three key promises: overcoming internal strife and restoring democracy, reviving the economy, and achieving national unity. “I will listen to the people at their level and move forward together with them,” Lee said. “Today marks the start of true national unity.”

He framed the election as a pivotal moment, saying, “Korea now stands at a historic crossroads—either we rise as a hopeful, leading nation, or we regress and fall into decline. The only force that can stop this backward slide and lead us toward hope and the future is national unity.”

Lee vowed to prioritize everyday livelihoods and propose practical solutions to protect citizens’ quality of life. “I will run a thoroughly field-oriented campaign and engage directly with people across the country,” he said.

“I will build a nation where the people are truly in charge and genuinely happy,” he declared. “I am not only the Democratic Party’s candidate, but also the candidate of all Koreans longing for an end to national strife, overcoming crises, unity, and happiness.”

Yoon Yeo-joon, a former environment minister appointed as the campaign’s senior co-chair, said, “Though I lack experience and ability, I will do my utmost to support Lee Jae-myung.”

Kang Kum-sil, former justice minister and a lead campaign chair, voiced concern over the current national mood. “People are feeling deeply anxious and are watching this election with desperation,” she said. “In their everyday lives, they are already fighting a civil conflict.”

She added, “We must be even more desperate and focused than the people themselves, working in unison to win this election for the people.”