Ex-DPK leader scores another big win in southwestern region's presidential primary
Former Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leader Lee Jae-myung makes a speech during the Honam region primary to pick the DPK's contender for the June 3 presidential election, in the southwestern city of Gwangju, some 270 kilometers south of Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap
Former Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leader Lee Jae-myung scored another sweeping victory Saturday in his race for the candidacy in the upcoming June 3 presidential election, winning the primary in the country's southwestern region.
Lee won 88.69 percent of the votes in the DPK's primary in the city of Gwangju, and the North and South Jeolla provinces, according to party officials.
He ee is considered a strong presidential contender for the liberal party, taking the lead in recent opinion polls.
"I believe the people of Honam have entrusted me with even greater expectations and responsibility," Lee said after the results were announced.
The Jeolla regions, also known as the Honam region, are considered a DPK stronghold.
Lee stressed that the Honam region deserves more investment, blaming the conservative government, whose traditional stronghold is the southeast, for its "flawed" approach to balanced development across the country.
"We need to invest much more in the area ... Balanced development isn't just about supporting local regions, but it's an essential choice for our country's growth and prosperity," he said.
His latest win follows his overwhelming victories in the central Chungcheong and southeastern Gyeongsang primaries.
Far behind Lee was Gyeonggi Gov. Kim Dong-yeon, who gained 7.41 percent, followed by former South Gyeongsang Gov. Kim Kyung-soo with 3.90 percent.