South Korea opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung announces presidential bid after Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment

Former South Korean Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung (File picture)

South Korea‘s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung introduced his presidential candidacy on Thursday, claiming his dedication to deal with inequality and enhance financial improvement.
The presidential election is scheduled for June 3, following the impeachment affirmation of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who had declared martial legislation in December.
Through a Thursday announcement quoted by Reuters, Lee addressed financial disparity as a elementary explanation for social discord, noting its function in intensifying current political instability following Yoon’s martial legislation implementation. Lee, positioning himself as a sensible leader, emphasised {that a} coverage’s effectiveness issues greater than its originator.
While conservative opponents recommend the opposition may weaken US relations and jeopardise Japanese diplomatic progress, Lee maintained his sensible diplomatic stance, stating: “Realistically speaking, the South Korea-US alliance is important, and South Korea, US Japan cooperation is important. Within that, the consistent principle is the national interest of the Republic of Korea is the top priority.”
At 61, Lee had skilled a slender defeat in opposition to Yoon within the 2022 presidential election. However, he subsequently led his liberal Democratic Party to important parliamentary victory and maintains robust liberal help. He resigned from his opposition management function on Wednesday to focus on his election marketing campaign.
An April 4 Gallup ballot confirmed Lee main with 34% help, while conservative candidate Kim Moon-soo, the 73-year-old former labour minister, obtained 9%. The conservative presidential nomination stays aggressive, with the ruling People Power Party planning to pick its candidate by way of May primaries.