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Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, greets supporters during a campaign rally at the Culture Street near Gurae Station in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, on May 20. / Source: Yonhap News

On the 10th day of official campaigning, Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung visited Incheon on May 21, highlighting the city's legacy of inclusion and national integration, while laying out a vision to elevate it as a central force in the global "K-economy."

Cho Seung-rae, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party's election committee, stated, “From Incheon—the kind and generous river that embraces all—begins a new era of politics centered on unity,” adding that the city will emerge as a global gateway for the K-economy.

Lee’s day began at 10:50 a.m. with a live session on YouTube via “K-Ini Live,” broadcast from a campaign bus. The livestream was designed to connect with the public in real time and reflect on the public sentiment encountered during his travels.

At 1 p.m., Lee held a campaign rally at Guwol Rodeo Plaza in Namdong District. Emphasizing Incheon’s historical role in opening Korea to modernization, he invoked the spirit of Haebul-yangsu—“a great sea that accepts all rivers”—to underscore the city’s tradition of embracing people from across the nation and leading the country’s development.

The rally continued at 3 p.m. at Bupyeong Station’s north plaza and later at 5 p.m. in front of Lotte Mart’s Cheongna branch in Seo District, where Lee met with more Incheon residents.

“Incheon is a global gateway where Korea meets the world via its air and sea routes,” spokesperson Cho said. “Lee aims to maximize the city’s potential through close integration of its airport, seaport, and surrounding urban infrastructure, and to transform it into a world-class hub for logistics and the bioindustry.”

Lee’s final rally of the day took place at 6:30 p.m. near Gyeyang Station, where he expressed gratitude to the residents of Gyeyang District for supporting his political comeback. He also pledged to repay their trust through tangible progress.

He outlined plans to upgrade Incheon’s aging industrial zones into smart green complexes, establish an aviation industry cluster tailored to the city’s unique characteristics, and attract international organizations.

“Incheon is the gateway through which Korea reaches out to the world and the world meets Korea,” Cho concluded. “As the campaign enters its midpoint, Lee Jae-myung will continue to champion a vision of national unity and global leadership, with Incheon at the forefront of a truly advanced Korea.”