DP's Lee continues campaign in liberal stronghold, emphasizing balanced regional growth

We start yet again with the latest on the campaign trail.

Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung continued his campaign in his party's stronghold for the second day in a row, where he continued carrying a message for balanced regional growth.

Our Correspondent Shin Ha-young reports.

The Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung, who began rallying support in his party’s strongholds on Thursday, continued his campaign in them on Friday, this time in Jeollabuk-do Province.

Lee's campaign trail took him through the cities of Iksan, Gunsan, Jeonju and Jeongeup.

During his visit to Iksan, Lee emphasized balanced regional growth, noting that Jeollabuk-do has been especially overlooked.

"If the current concentration in the capital region continues, the country won’t be able to grow sustainably. Balanced regional growth isn't just about helping local regions it's a necessary strategy for South Korea’s future."

Lee also addressed the overconcentration of universities in the capital and the need to strengthen universities in other regions.

He said he would increase support for national universities outside of Seoul and promised to improve conditions for young people through better education, cultural opportunities, and jobs, so they don't feel the need to leave their provinces.

During his visit to Jeonju, where he was met with traditional Korean music and gugak musicians, Lee said the culture industry was a key strategic sector.

He added that the government should consider guaranteeing a minimum living wage for artists and cultural workers.

In a social media post, Lee also announced new policies for women, including tougher penalties for dating violence and digital sex crimes, and plans to close the gender pay gap.

Meanwhile, lawmaker Kim Sang-wook, who was in favor of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment and recently broke away from the People Power Party, showed up at Lee’s campaign to support him.

Kim described Lee as both a true conservative and a true progressive, saying that those who divide politics into sides shouldn’t be involved in politics.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.