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Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, gives a thumbs-up to supporters after completing a campaign rally in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, on May 14. / Source: Yonhap News

The Democratic Party pledged on May 15 to create economic “miracles” along the Nakdong, Yeongsan, and Geum rivers, akin to the “Miracle on the Han River,” as it entered the fourth day of its presidential campaign tour through southern regions including Hadong, Gwangyang, Yeosu, Suncheon, and Mokpo.

Cho Seung-rae, the party's chief spokesperson, said in a briefing at party headquarters, “Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung will continue his fourth day of campaigning focused on transcending regional barriers and ushering in a new era of unity.”

Cho drew inspiration from Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who famously rallied his forces before the Battle of Myeongnyang with the message: “United we live, divided we die.” “This spirit of unity and determination was key to overcoming a national crisis,” Cho said. “Lee’s itinerary along the ‘Yi Sun-sin national defense belt’ reflects his will to honor that same spirit of harmony.”

The first event of the day will be a live-streamed broadcast at 10:20 a.m. from Hwagae Market, a symbolic site of interregional harmony. Lee will be joined by Moon Yu-seong, a man in his 30s from Gwangju, and Kim Daniel, a woman in her 20s from Daegu. Cho said their conversation will candidly address issues such as regional economic disparities, youth struggles, and social integration, highlighting the broader message of coexistence.

At 12:30 p.m., Lee will visit Gwangyang, a hub for steel and logistics. At 2:00 p.m., he will stop in Yeosu, a major center of heavy industry. At 3:50 p.m., he will continue to Suncheon, known as Korea’s ecological capital. The campaign stated that Lee will present growth strategies tailored to each region’s unique strengths and resources.

The final event of the day will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Mokpo, a coastal gateway city and the hometown of the late President Kim Dae-jung.

“Amid a crumbling economy, political labels and ideologies are secondary,” Cho said. “This campaign seeks to embrace differences and find common ground in the spirit of mutual respect and coexistence. Our commitment is to build a better future together.”