"Now Begins the True Republic of Korea"
Lee Jae-myung
이재명
진정한 대한민국 공화국이 이제 시작된다
My fellow Koreans,
In 2025, at Hansando — the very site where Admiral Yi Sun-sin secured one of Korea’s most legendary naval victories in 1592 against the Japanese invasion — I pledge to achieve another great victory, this time together with you, the people.
Today, I followed the path of that great commander, tracing the belt of national defense he once forged. In Busan, Changwon, Tongyeong, and Geoje, I met citizens who shared with me their hopes, their hardships, and their unshakable love for this country.
It was at Hansando in 1592 that Admiral Yi, outnumbered and under pressure, defeated a vastly superior Japanese fleet through sheer brilliance, discipline, and courage. It was not just a military triumph — it was a victory of unity, resolve, and devotion to the people. That spirit lives on.
In today’s Korea, I see a new kind of struggle: local economies in decline, industries under pressure to transform, and our young people forced to leave their hometowns in search of opportunities they should have at home. I listened closely to every story — from Busan’s docks to Changwon’s factories.
One laborer in Changwon handed me a work uniform with these words embroidered on the chest: “Now begins the true Republic of Korea.” That uniform, soaked with the sweat of honest labor, was a powerful reminder of who we are — a people who live with integrity, work with pride, and never give up.
I promise you this:
We will build a Korea where hard work leads to a decent life.
A nation where the rules are fair, and no one can win by cheating.
A country that is peaceful, secure, and just — for everyone.
Admiral Yi was brutally slandered and sabotaged, yet he never wavered. He did not blame others. Even when his ships were few and his soldiers exhausted, he stood firm, giving everything for his people and his nation. That is the spirit we must reclaim.
To all of you who welcomed me with open hearts and raised your voices in support I will never forget you. The road ahead may be long, but together, we will walk it with pride.
Now begins the true Republic of Korea.
Let’s win this, together.
Thank you.
May 13, 2025
2025년, 이순신 장군이 1592년 임진왜란 당시 일본의 침략에 맞서 조선 해전사상 가장 위대한 승리를 거둔 바로 그 장소, 한산도에서 저는 국민 여러분과 함께 또 한 번의 위대한 승리를 이루어내겠다고 약속드립니다.
오늘은 이순신 장군의 호국벨트를 따라가며 여러분들을 만났습니다. 부산과 창원, 통영과 거제에서 만난 국민들은 침체된 지역경제, 산업 전환의 도전, 일자리를 찾지 못한 청년들이 수도권으로 떠나는 현실을 안타까워 하셨습니다.
창원의 한 노동자는 “이제부터 진짜 대한민국”이라는 글자가 새겨진 작업복을 전달해주셨습니다. 땀이 베인 옷에 담긴 그 진심이 정말 고맙습니다. 하루하루 성실하게 열심히 살아가는 우리 국민들이 노력한 만큼 결과를 거두는 나라, 공정한 규칙 속에 누구나 반칙하지 않는 사회, 편안한 나라를 만들겠다고 다짐합니다.
이순신 장군은 끊임없이 모함을 받았지만 한 번도 흔들리지 않았습니다. 병사와 군함이 부족해도 이를 탓하지 않았습니다. 오직 나라와 백성을 지켜내기 위해 물러섬 없이 스스로를 헌신했을 뿐입니다. 온 마음을 열어 환영해주시고, 호응해주신 그 함성을 잊지 않겠습니다.
이제부터 진짜 대한민국, 지금은 이재명입니다.
이재명 민주당 대선후보, 2025년, 5월 13일
Comments
Post a Comment