South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party of Korea has officially named Lee Jae-myung as its candidate for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for June 3. Lee, the former leader of the party, has been leading opinion polls for weeks, maintaining a significant lead over potential rivals.
In his acceptance speech on Sunday, Lee expressed his commitment to the nation and its people. “From this moment, I am not just the candidate of the Democratic Party but the candidate for all who aspire to overcome crises, achieve unity, and pursue happiness,” he declared.
Lee outlined his vision for South Korea, emphasizing the strengthening of defense capabilities and positioning the country as a leader in high-tech industries. He also highlighted his aspirations to make South Korea a cultural powerhouse and a model of exemplary democracy.
The 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician has a history of public service, having served as the mayor of Seongnam and the governor of Gyeonggi Province, the nation’s most populous region. Lee previously led the Democratic Party to a significant victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections and was widely expected to secure the presidential nomination after winning regional primaries decisively.
Lee narrowly lost the presidential race in 2022, one of the closest margins in South Korea’s democratic history. As the upcoming election approaches, he aims to unite the country and address both political and economic challenges.
The Democratic Party’s nomination sets the stage for a competitive election, with the conservative People Power Party expected to announce its candidate on May 3. As campaigns kick into high gear, all eyes are on how Lee and his opponents will navigate the critical issues facing South Korea today.
