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Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, appeals for voter support atop a campaign vehicle equipped with bulletproof glass during a major rally at Yongsan Station Plaza in Seoul on May 19. / Source: Yonhap News

With just over two weeks remaining until the June 3 presidential election, major candidates intensified their efforts to win over voters in Seoul. Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), and Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party all hit the capital and surrounding regions on May 19 to rally support.

DPK candidate Lee Jae-myung toured key areas along the so-called “Hangang Belt,” including Yongsan, Yeongdeungpo, and Mapo. His day began with a visit to the Korean Senior Citizens Association, followed by campaign stops at Yongsan Station Plaza, in front of Times Square in Yeongdeungpo, and finally Mapo District. Continuing his message of national unity from earlier campaigns in Yeongnam and Honam, Lee emphasized the need to break free from political divisions based on ideology, region, and party affiliation.

PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo concentrated his campaign in central Seoul around Gwanghwamun. He began his day at 9 a.m. with a meeting at the Korean Senior Citizens Association, then joined the “Seoul Forum for the Vulnerable” hosted by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and unveiled youth-focused policy pledges at Cheonggye Plaza’s Shell Tower. Kim also met with the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), signed an education policy agreement with private school foundations, and capped off the day with a campaign rally titled “Refresh the Soul” at Seoul Station Plaza.

During his appearance at the senior citizens association, Kim promised expanded job programs for the elderly, elimination of penalties on pensions for working seniors, support for patient care costs at long-term hospitals, improved dementia care, subsidized food supplies at senior centers, and digital literacy training for older citizens. Later in the day, he rolled out new youth policy pledges on the occasion of Youth Day.

New Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok also split his campaign day between Seoul and the Honam region. In the morning, he appeared on Channel A’s “Radio Show Political Signal”, held a press conference at Gwanghwamun Plaza, and joined the “Seoul Forum for the Vulnerable”. In the afternoon, he traveled to Gwangju to visit the site of a recent fire at the Kumho Tire factory (2:40 p.m.), inspected the location of a proposed mixed-use shopping mall, met with researchers, and wrapped up the day with a rally in Gwangju.