By 
In the bustling heart of South Korea’s traditional markets, President Lee Jae Myung is often found, not just as a political figure, but as a man deeply connected to the pulse of everyday life. His recent unannounced visit to Bujeon Market in Busan on December 23rd offered a poignant glimpse into this unique bond, revealing an affection that runs far deeper than political expediency.
A Personal Connection to Every Stall
During his visit, President Lee paused at a yogurt stall, his gaze softening as he held the vendor’s hand. “My younger sister, who passed away, used to sell yogurt. She told me how hard the work was,” he shared. The vendor’s heartfelt reply, “Yes, it’s very hard. We work outdoors, so there are many difficulties,” resonated deeply, echoing a shared understanding of hardship. Lee didn’t just sympathize; he acted, purchasing 13 bottles of a fermented milk drink for his aides, including Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and his security detail, a small gesture that spoke volumes.
This emotional exchange is a testament to Lee’s personal history. His younger sister, Lee Jae-ok, tragically died in 2014 from overwork as a cleaner. This profound loss undoubtedly fuels his empathy for those toiling in demanding conditions, making his market visits more than just a political photo-op.
More Than Just Politics: A “Listening Tour”
While presidential visits to traditional markets are a common staple in Korean politics, serving as a barometer of prices and a populist gesture, President Lee’s engagement transcends convention. During his presidential campaign, he embarked on a “listening tour” of small cities and neighborhood markets. Since taking office, these impromptu stops have become a consistent feature of his schedule, regardless of the region, demonstrating a genuine commitment to direct engagement.
The December 23rd visit to Bujeon Market, for instance, occurred shortly after a Cabinet meeting in Busan. There, he was seen crouching beside a 90-year-old woman selling sweet potatoes, paying her in cash, and inquiring about her well-being in the cold weather. He even took a moment to greet a tourist from Taiwan, offering a warm handshake and a thumbs-up, saying, “Welcome to Korea.” These are moments of authentic connection, far removed from the scripted formalities of state affairs.
From Personal Roots to Policy Direction
Lee’s connection to traditional markets is deeply rooted in his own upbringing. He frequently cites Seongnam’s Sangdaewon Market as central to his personal history. In his memoirs, he recounts his father working there as a handcart-pushing cleaner and his mother cleaning public toilets. During a poignant campaign stop at the market in January 2022, he recalled those years, tearfully stating that “everything I do reflects the brutality of Lee Jae Myung’s life.” This history explains the profound personal attachment that informs his leadership.
This personal understanding translates into his governing philosophy. While having lunch at a seafood restaurant inside the Busan market, he urged Cabinet members and presidential aides to “focus all available efforts on resolving issues affecting people’s livelihoods.” This isn’t just rhetoric; since his inauguration on June 6th, Lee has visited traditional markets eight times in six months, averaging more than once a month, spanning cities like Ulsan, Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Busan. These visits serve as vital policy outreach venues, especially as traditional markets have been significant beneficiaries of the administration’s consumer spending coupons, part of its economic recovery efforts. Even First Lady Kim Hea Kyung has actively promoted the use of these coupons at markets, underscoring the administration’s integrated approach.
A Governing Philosophy Grounded in Reality
A spokesperson for the presidential office aptly summarized President Lee’s motivation: “The president feels a deep personal attachment to markets, in part because of his family’s history, and sees the visits as a way to remain grounded. These are not performative appearances. They reflect his governing philosophy of listening directly to the people and incorporating their voices into policy.”
President Lee Jae Myung’s enduring affection for traditional markets is more than a political strategy; it’s a genuine reflection of his life story, his empathy, and his commitment to understanding and addressing the real-world challenges faced by ordinary citizens. Through these frequent, often unannounced visits, he not only connects with the past but actively shapes a future where the voices from the stalls and bustling aisles are heard at the highest levels of government.
Source: Original Article
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