Is Lee Jae-myung the Next Presidential Candidate for South Korea's Democratic Party?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Lee Jae-myung, a prominent figure in South Korean politics, has secured his position as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate with overwhelming support. As the nation prepares for the June 3 election, the implications of his nomination raise questions about the future direction of South Korea amid its ongoing challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Lee Jae-myung dominates the Democratic Party's primary.
- He achieved a historic 89.77% of the vote.
- Economic recovery is his top priority.
- He expresses willingness to engage with North Korea.
- The presidential election is on June 3.
Seoul, April 27 (NationPress) Lee Jae-myung, the former head of South Korea's Democratic Party, has emerged as the leading candidate in public opinion polls for the upcoming presidential election, successfully clinching the party's presidential nomination this past Sunday.
As a former human rights attorney and now politician, Lee garnered an impressive 89.77 percent of the total votes in the party's primary, achieving the necessary majority to bypass a runoff. His primary focus remains on economic recovery while also expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue with North Korea, according to reports from the Yonhap news agency.
This achievement marks the highest percentage attained in a presidential primary among Democratic Party candidates since the democratization of South Korea in 1987.
In the rankings, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon followed in a distant second with 6.87 percent, while former South Gyeongsang Province governor Kim Kyung-soo received 3.36 percent.
In his acceptance speech, Lee stated, “I will humbly fulfil the responsibility of achieving national unity, which is both the mission of politics and the president's top priority.”
Lee previously faced a narrow defeat to former President Yoon Suk Yeol by a mere 0.73 percentage points in 2022. The presidential election is set for June 3.
Furthermore, the minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP) has officially thrown its support behind Lee Jae-myung.
“We declare that Lee is not only the DP's candidate but also the candidate supported by our party. We will dedicate all our efforts to ensure Lee's overwhelming victory,” stated Kim Sun-min, the RKP's acting leader, in a press release.
Lee remains the leading contender for the presidential election on June 3, following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his unexpected martial law announcement.
Cho's leadership ended when he began serving a two-year prison sentence in December for committing academic fraud involving his children and illegally interfering in a government inspection.
Point of View
Lee Jae-myung's nomination as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate reflects a pivotal moment in South Korea's political landscape. As editor-in-chief, it’s crucial to recognize the potential for change that his leadership may bring, particularly in addressing pressing economic challenges and improving relations with North Korea. The upcoming election will undoubtedly shape the country’s future.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lee Jae-myung?
Lee Jae-myung is a former leader of South Korea's Democratic Party and a prominent candidate for the presidential election.
What percentage of votes did Lee Jae-myung receive?
Lee received an impressive 89.77% of the votes in the party's primary.
When is the presidential election scheduled?
The presidential election is set for June 3.
What are Lee's main priorities?
Lee prioritizes economic recovery and is open to discussions with North Korea.
Who are his main competitors?
Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon and former South Gyeongsang Province governor Kim Kyung-soo were his main competitors in the primary.
