DP candidate Lee Jae-myung visits conservative stronghold ahead of official campaign kickoff

The liberal party's presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung chose traditionally conservative-leaning Gyeongsangbuk-do Province for his campaign today.

This comes amid his legal risk being cleared for now, but repercussions still ongoing.

Our correspondent Shin Ha-young reports.

Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung began a two-day visit to the Gyeongsang-do provinces today, to meet with residents.

It marks his final regional trip before the official campaign kicks off on Monday, and he chose to focus on areas known as conservative strongholds.

At his first stop in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Lee said the president is just a tool chosen by the people and encouraged voters to choose a trustworthy worker.

He also appealed to voters by pledging full National Assembly support for the upcoming APEC summit in the city.

"I'm sure the people of Gyeongju will help build not just a better city, but a new and hopeful Korea for the people one that's for the people and respects the people."

Ahead of the official campaign, Lee's camp introduced its strategy for the presidential race.

The camp decided to focus on national unity with a brand identity using both blue and red.

It highlighted three key points: ending what it called "insurrection" and restoring democracy, helping Korea become a global leader, and building a united nation.

Meanwhile, following the Supreme Court's decision on Lee's election law violation case, the DP, which has been describing it as political interference, continues to urge an investigation into the top court's ruling.

This comes despite the removal of a major legal hurdle for Lee, as the high court postponed a rehearing and review of its verdict until after the presidential election.

Party Floor Leader Park Chan-dae said on Friday that the best way for Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae to protect the judiciary's honor and do what's right was to step down before it was too late.

Judges from around the country have decided to hold an extraordinary meeting on May 26th to discuss the controversy surrounding the Supreme Court's ruling on Lee.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.