Lee Jae-myung calls for “capable leadership” in first televised debate

May 19, 2025, 09:56 am

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Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, speaks during the presidential debate for the 21st election hosted by the National Election Debate Commission at SBS Prism Tower in Mapo District, Seoul, on May 18. / Source: National Assembly Press Pool

During the first televised presidential debate hosted by the National Election Commission on May 18, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung urged voters to choose a “capable servant of the people” who can reshape the nation.

“This election is a critical moment that will determine not just who becomes president, but what kind of country South Korea will become,” Lee said in his opening remarks. “Please choose a useful tool—someone who will work for the people and transform Korea.”

Lee also marked the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. Quoting novelist Han Kang, he reflected, “She once asked, ‘Can the past help the future?’ I believe the answer is yes—Gwangju in May 1980 saved South Korea in December 2024. Just as we overcame rebellion then, our efforts today will help save the next generation.”

#Lee Jae-myung