 |
| ▲ A TV screen at Seoul Station, in the center of the capital, on April 10, 2025, shows a video message by former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung declaring his presidential bid. (Yonhap) |
ex-DP leader-presidential bid
Former DP leader Lee declares presidential bid
SEOUL, April 10 (Yonhap) -- Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung declared his presidential bid for the June election Thursday, vowing to become "the best tool" to serve the people.
Lee, considered the front-runner in the June 3 presidential election triggered by the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, announced his bid a day after he stepped down from the party chairmanship.
"I do not just want a country that only carries the name 'Republic of Korea,' but I want to help build a real Republic of Korea," Lee said in a 10-minute video message. "Such a Korea is created by its people and I hope to become a great tool -- the best tool -- of our great people."
He identified economic polarization as the root cause of the social conflicts in the country, pledging to restore economic growth through large-scale investments while helping improve people's livelihoods.
Lee also vowed to pursue foreign policies that prioritize national interests, stressing the importance of the alliance between South Korea and the United States and trilateral cooperation also involving Japan.
Officials said he will hold a press conference at the National Assembly on Friday to present his vision for the nation and announce the members of his election campaign.
Lee has been leading in early opinion polls though he is at the heart of several scandals, including a land development scandal in Seongnam, south of Seoul.
Lee lost the presidential race to Yoon by a thin margin in 2022.
(END)
(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved
