President Lee Marks 500 Days in Office with Visits to Busan and Jeju

President Lee Jae-myung embarked on an extensive regional tour on October 16, marking 500 days since his administration began, with visits to Busan and Jeju. Just three days after announcing plans for a 'Southern Maritime Capital' in Busan, he reflected on the significance of the Busan Democratic Uprising and attended the opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival in Jeju, highlighting messages of balanced regional development and national unity.

During the 47th anniversary ceremony of the Busan Democratic Uprising held at Busan City Hall, President Lee urged the National Assembly to expedite discussions on amending the Constitution to include the spirit of the Busan Democratic Uprising and the May 18 Democratic Movement in its preamble.

"Incorporating the Busan Democratic Uprising and the Gwangju Democratic Movement into the Constitution's preamble is a minimal measure to ensure that we do not forget the blood-soaked history of our people in defending democracy and national sovereignty," President Lee stated.

He further requested that the National Assembly promptly engage in gathering public opinions and rational discussions regarding the constitutional amendment, emphasizing that both ruling and opposition parties have expressed unanimous support for including the spirits of May 18 and the Busan Democratic Uprising in the Constitution. "Now is the time for action, not just words," he stressed.

President Lee regarded the Busan Democratic Uprising as a pivotal milestone in the development of South Korea's democracy. He remarked, "The cries that began in Busan and Masan 47 years ago became an unquenchable flame piercing through the darkness of a massive dictatorship, illuminating the democratic republic of Korea. I extend my deep respect and gratitude to the citizens of Busan and Masan who shouted that the true owners of the nation are the people."

He added, "The spirit and cries of Busan have continued to resonate in Gwangju in May 1980, and again in the June Democratic Uprising of 1987, as well as in the Candlelight Revolution and the December 3 Light Revolution. Although the forms of the times and distances may differ, the fervent desire for national sovereignty remains united."

At the end of his speech, President Lee expressed his commitment to ensuring that the democracy we build together today becomes a historic beacon illuminating Korea's future, momentarily becoming emotional.

This visit to Busan came just three days after President Lee attended a welcoming ceremony for the Arctic shipping route trial operation and the HMM Busan headquarters plaque ceremony on October 13. During that visit, he discussed the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the opening of HMM's Busan era, and the development of the Arctic shipping route, asserting his vision to cultivate Busan as the definitive maritime capital of Korea.

After concluding his schedule in Busan, President Lee traveled to Jeju to attend the opening ceremony of the 107th National Sports Festival at Jeju World Cup Stadium. Following his emphasis on the historical significance of democratization, he engaged with national athletes and citizens, continuing his efforts toward regional harmony and national unity.

Political analysts view this extensive regional tour as a reaffirmation of the government's direction focused on people's livelihoods, practicality, and unity, coinciding with the 500-day mark of the administration, while also seeking to broaden the momentum for governance through the agenda of balanced regional development.

On the same day, the Democratic Party of Korea held a Supreme Council meeting in Busan to align with the president's regional initiatives. Party leader Kim Min-seok emphasized the completion of 'Maritime Capital Busan' and pledged to support the enactment of a special law for the Arctic shipping route and the inclusion of the spirit of the Busan Democratic Uprising in the Constitution's preamble.

In a meeting with senior aides the previous day, President Lee stated that ahead of the 500-day mark of his administration, he would "humbly listen to the people's will" and assured that he would pursue improvements in people's livelihoods, practical reforms, and inclusive unity without wavering in the face of external pressures and resistance.

Meanwhile, a recent survey conducted by Gallup Korea from October 13 to 15 among 1,003 adults aged 18 and older indicated that President Lee's job approval rating rose to 39%, a 2 percentage point increase from the previous week, marking a recovery from the lowest point since his inauguration.

The survey was conducted via telephone interviews using virtual numbers, with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level and a response rate of 10.4%. More details can be found on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.