Ruling and Opposition Parties Shore Up Grassroots Support Ahead of Chuseok... Kim: "Keep Prices in Mind"; Jang: "Society Must Serve as a Protective Shield"

[Financial News] The ruling and opposition parties sought to win over grassroots public sentiment on Sept. 23 ahead of Chuseok. The DPK visited Yongsan Station, the starting station for Honam Line trains, as part of its effort to target Honam, its "political stronghold." The People Power Party (PPP) sought to appeal to public sentiment during the Chuseok holiday by engaging in volunteer work and emphasizing close contact with people's livelihoods.
DPK leader Kim Min-seok and other party leaders visited Yongsan Station that day to meet travelers heading home. The station is where KTX trains bound for Honam, the DPK's traditional support base, depart. The DPK has visited the station to greet travelers during every major holiday.
Kim continued his close engagement by shaking hands and exchanging greetings with people traveling to their hometowns. He also responded to citizens' requests for autographs and photos one by one, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Before visiting Yongsan Station, Kim delivered a Chuseok message at a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly. He said, "The Chuseok holiday is beginning. Whether you are alone or with others, I hope you have a warm time of sharing and recovery," and added, "I thank all merchants, police officers, firefighters and other public officials who are protecting the people's rest during the Chuseok holiday."
He continued, "It is fortunate that Chuseok prices are relatively stable, with grocery-basket prices falling," but added, "I will not overlook concerns about some items or worries about the economy as a whole that people feel in their daily lives, and will keep them in mind." Kim later visited an Air Force unit to encourage service members devoting themselves to national defense during the holiday.
PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk and other party leaders visited Sipdaejigi, a youth cultural community in Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi Province, that day to participate in volunteer work. Sipdaejigi operates residential facilities and other services for youth living outside family homes. The Youth Red Wing, a volunteer group of young PPP members, also accompanied the party leadership.
Jang and other party leaders made Happiness Sharing Kits, prepared songpyeon for Chuseok and delivered donations and other items to Sipdaejigi. They later visited a restaurant where youth living outside family homes learn job skills, shared a meal with them and offered encouragement.
At the volunteer site, Jang said, "If there are young people who have not received enough love within the protective shield of their families, society must take the place of that family shield with two or three layers of protection." He added, "The role society and the state must play is to ensure that love is not lacking for all people born to be loved and that everyone receives the same warmth of love."
He continued, "When I was serving as a Family Court judge, I felt many things and made resolutions while watching young people. But as I became a politician, it seemed that the things I felt and the resolutions I made then were gradually fading. Starting with my visit here, I will revive those resolutions and determination."
 
[email protected] Kim Hyeong-gu, Lee Hae-ram Reporter