Lee Jae-myung Connects With Voters During Listening Tour

On May 10, 2025, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, embarked on a "Listening Tour" in Gyeongnam province, where he greeted the public at the Uiryeong Traditional Market. This initiative aims to connect with citizens and gather their opinions as the presidential election approaches.

Later that day, Lee met with Kim Jang-ha, a respected local benefactor and the subject of the documentary "Child Kim Jang-ha," at a tea house in Jinju, Gyeongnam. During their conversation, Lee expressed his gratitude and admiration for Kim, acknowledging his significant contributions to education and community service.

Lee Jae-myung remarked, "I should have come to see you sooner (I'm sorry)," to which Kim responded with a warm smile. The two discussed their mutual acquaintance, Moon Hyeong-bae, a former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court. Lee described Moon as "a very close friend" and elaborated on their shared history as classmates from the 28th Judicial Examination and the 18th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute.

In a significant moment during their meeting, Lee quoted Kim, saying, "There's a saying that a charming minority sways the majority, and it's very true." This statement resonated with the ongoing political climate in South Korea, where many feel that the voices of the majority are often drowned out by a vocal minority.

Kim responded to Lee's comment by emphasizing the importance of majority rule in democracy, stating, "The flower of democracy is majority rule, but it is often ignored." Lee concurred, noting that historically, a powerful minority has oppressed the majority. However, he suggested that there are instances, like the present, where a powerless minority can reclaim their rightful place in society.

During their conversation, Kim urged Lee to provide "rice without stones," a metaphor for ensuring that society offers genuine opportunities without obstacles. This phrase encapsulated Kim's hope for a healthier democracy, free from the impediments that often hinder progress.

Lee also addressed the delicate nature of his relationship with Moon Hyeong-bae, explaining, "I haven't contacted him since he went to the Constitutional Court, but I saw him once when I was in Busan. I have many outstanding students." When pressed by reporters about the meaning of his description of Moon as a "close friend," Lee elaborated, saying, "I saw him when I was a judge in Busan, but since then, I haven't contacted him out of caution," citing a personal tendency to avoid contact with fellow judges to prevent misunderstandings.

In a lighter moment, Lee shared an amusing anecdote from their private tea meeting, recounting a story Kim told him about a dog groomer who, while eating, bit into a stone. Lee translated Kim's humorous remark, where the groomer, embarrassed, said, "Oh, there are so many stones," before adding, "Well, there's more rice than stones." This story was meant to illustrate the need for creating a society that offers more substantial opportunities, devoid of unnecessary hardships.

As the conversation turned to the current political landscape, Lee criticized the recent controversies surrounding the People Power Party's presidential candidate replacement, describing it as a "kind of worst-case scenario within the party" that undermines democracy. He expressed disbelief at the situation, saying, "Looking at that house (People Power Party), I just laugh. What kind of party is that?"

Kim Jang-ha, who has donated substantial amounts to build schools and provide scholarships to students, including Moon Hyeong-bae, emphasized the need for unity and acceptance of electoral outcomes. He stated, "Now we need to know how to win. But we don't win in the end," highlighting a common sentiment among citizens feeling disillusioned with the political process.

Lee echoed this sentiment, stating, "That's the problem. If we don't win in this world, we won't be left out of the game." This exchange between Lee and Kim showcased the challenges facing South Korea's democracy as it navigates through a complex political landscape.

As the presidential election approaches, with voting scheduled for June 3, 2025, and early voting from May 29 to May 30, Lee's Listening Tour and dialogues like the one with Kim Jang-ha are crucial in shaping his campaign and addressing the concerns of the electorate. The election is expected to be a pivotal moment for the future of Korean democracy, with the potential for significant shifts in political power.