South Korea: Former DP Leader Lee Jae-myung Set to Announce Presidential Candidacy
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Synopsis
On April 9, Lee Jae-myung, the former leader of South Korea's Democratic Party, will declare his presidential candidacy via a video message. He will hold a press conference to outline his vision and campaign team after stepping down from the party chairmanship. Lee is currently the front-runner despite facing several scandals.
Key Takeaways
- Lee Jae-myung will announce his presidential bid.
- The announcement will be made through a video message.
- Lee has resigned as party chairman to run in the June 3 election.
- He is leading in early opinion polls.
- Lee faces multiple scandals but remains a strong candidate.
Seoul, April 9 (NationPress) Former Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung is set to declare his candidacy for the presidency through a video message on Wednesday, according to an aide.
Kwon Hyuk-ki, who previously served as Lee's chief political strategist, informed the media that the 10-minute video will be released at 10 a.m. on Thursday, outlining his commitment and determination for the upcoming presidential race.
Following this announcement, Lee will conduct a press conference at the National Assembly on Friday to share his vision for the country and introduce the members of his election campaign team, Kwon stated.
Earlier in the day, Lee resigned from his position as party chairman to pursue the presidency in the election scheduled for June 3, which was prompted by the removal of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Lee is regarded as the leading candidate in the forthcoming election.
"I am thankful for the opportunity to have led the party for three years and to have achieved some significant outcomes," Lee expressed during a recent meeting of the DP's top council.
"I do not feel particularly regretful or lighthearted; I believe I am on the brink of a new chapter," he remarked, signaling his intention to run for president.
Political factions are preparing for the presidential election after the Constitutional Court upheld Yoon's impeachment on Friday due to his brief attempt at martial law in December, which officially removed him from office.
In 2022, Lee secured the chairmanship of the DP after narrowly losing the presidential election to Yoon.
Despite being embroiled in several controversies, including a land development scandal in Seongnam, south of Seoul, Lee has been leading in preliminary opinion surveys.
A recent appellate court ruling acquitted Lee of an election law infraction that could have jeopardized his parliamentary position and prevented him from running for president, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Lee expressed confidence that the nation will navigate the current issues stemming from Yoon's martial law declaration, similar to how it did after the 1980 pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju.
"I am assured that we will triumph over the present challenges, thanks to the resilient spirit of our people who have overcome past adversities," Lee stated. "I will be alongside them throughout this journey."
In the wake of Lee's resignation, the DP will be temporarily led by Park Chan-dae, the party's floor leader.
