Seoul: Presidential candidates intensified their campaigns on Monday to attract swing voters in the crucial battleground of Seoul, as the election looms just 15 days away to choose a successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted following a failed martial law bid.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung, who is currently leading the campaign, engaged with elderly voters, while People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo and Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party (NRP) participated in a forum in Seoul. Although Lee from the minor party, who formerly led the PPP, has dismissed the idea of merging his campaign with Kim's, the forum garnered attention amid ongoing speculation about a potential merger of their candidacies to challenge the DP's Lee.
Following the forum, the NRP's Lee stated he is "not interested" in merger discussions. Meanwhile, Kim expressed openness to a merger with Lee of the minor party after attending the presidential candidates' first televised debate the previous day.
A Realmeter survey released on Monday indicated that the DP's Lee holds a lead over Kim with 50.2 percent support compared to Kim's 35.6 percent, while the minor party's Lee ranks third with 8.7 percent support.
Post his meeting with elderly voters, the DP's Lee conducted a campaign rally at Yongsan Station and plans to visit the wards of Yeongdeungpo and Mapo. Simultaneously, Kim unveiled his pledge for the youth at Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul in honor of Coming of Age Day. His proposed policies aim to alleviate the housing and marriage burdens for youth, ensure fair hiring practices, and adopt a system recognizing military service as work experience in private companies, striving to expand opportunities for young people and reduce their financial challenges.
Kim also attended a special luncheon with the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, outlining his intentions to pursue a summit meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump if elected. He stated, "If elected president, I will visit the United States in June to hold an early summit with President Trump and promptly resolve issues hindering economic cooperation between the two countries." Kim emphasized exploring new opportunities for mutual growth, particularly in the shipbuilding sector, while prioritizing South Korea's national interests.
Addressing concerns about a potential U.S. troop drawdown in South Korea, Kim remarked, "Our economy cannot be maintained if there is a nuclear threat from North Korea and a risk of the withdrawal of U.S. troops in terms of defense security." He added, "What makes us concerned is the possibility that President Trump might propose increasing South Korea's share of defense costs, and I think a moderate increase is acceptable, but I am worried about the potential reduction or withdrawal of U.S. troops."
Kim is scheduled to hold a rally near Seoul Station during the evening rush hour.