DP's Lee visits Busan on third day of campaign; pledges to move oceans ministry there

Thank you for joining us. I'm Yoon Jung-min.

We are now counting down 20 days to the June 3rd snap election.

The liberal party contender Lee Jae-myung today headed to Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do Province, continuing his efforts to reach out to voters beyond those leaning liberal.

Our Correspondent Shin Ha-young reports.

Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung began his Wednesday campaign in Busan.

He first paid tribute at the UN Memorial Cemetery there that honors fallen soldiers who fought and died under the United Nations flag during the Korean War.

Lee said he is giving his all to win and urged everyone to vote, saying the future of the country was on the line.

"Our goal is not a landslide, but it's to win, no matter what. While some are optimistic, we expect the race to be very close."

To boost Busan's local economy, Lee pledged to move the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the country's largest shipping carrier to Busan.

"I don't make impossible promises. I will move the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan. I'll also make sure HMM, the largest shipping company in Korea, moves here."

Lee's visit to Busan is part of his campaign across the southern regions, traditionally considered conservative strongholds, as he aims to win more support there than in the last election.

After Busan, he visited Changwon in Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

There, Lee emphasized national unity, saying the upcoming election isn't just about choosing a president --it's about people's lives, their future, and the direction of the country.

He also said that both the party and he himself are ready to serve as tools for the people, asking for their support.

Lee then headed to Geoje, a major hub of the shipbuilding industry.

Ahead of the visit, Lee announced his shipbuilding policy, pledging to strengthen South Korea's position as a maritime powerhouse through what he called "K-Shipbuilding."

In a social media post, Lee said he aims to make Korea a leader in the global market for smart and eco-friendly ships, while also developing special ships and ship maintenance as new growth engines.

He also promised support for developing green fuel-powered ships and digitalizing the entire shipbuilding process.

Lee decided to continue his campaign on Thursday in Jeollanam-do Province, and will visit Gwangyang, Yeosu and Suncheon.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.