Lee Jae-myung to launch presidential campaign

Seoul

Former Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung will officially announce his presidential bid on Thursday through a 10-minute video message, as confirmed by his former aide Kwon Hyuk-ki. Lee, widely seen as the leading contender, stepped down from his role as party chairman earlier on Wednesday to enter the race for South Korea's June 3 presidential election.

The election was triggered after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, following a controversial martial law attempt. Lee’s video message will share his determination to lead, and he plans to hold a detailed press conference on Friday at the National Assembly to outline his national vision and campaign team.

In his farewell as DP leader, Lee said, “I don’t feel regret or relief. A new chapter begins.” He expressed gratitude for his three-year tenure and remains optimistic about overcoming the country’s current challenges.

Lee previously lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon by a narrow margin but later became DP chairman. His leadership helped strengthen the party, and he now leads in early public opinion polls. However, Lee has been linked to multiple controversies, including a land development scandal in Seongnam. He was recently cleared of an election law charge that might have disqualified him from running.

Lee compared the present political crisis to South Korea’s past struggles for democracy, such as the 1980 Gwangju uprising, expressing hope in the people’s resilience.

Until a new leader is chosen, DP’s floor leader Park Chan-dae will serve as acting party head.