The South Korean Democrats will nominate Lee Jae-Myung as the candidate for the SNAP presidential election set for June 3rd.
South Korea’s South Korean opposition Democrats have nominated Lee Jae-myeon as the candidate for the SNAP presidential election set for June 3rd.
“I am not only a Democratic candidate, but for all those who are eager to end the riots, overcome the crisis, pursue unity and happiness,” Lee said in an acceptance speech after securing his nomination on Sunday.
Lee won the party nominations in nearly 90% of the vote during the primary, surpassing the other two candidates.
A progressive leader defending greater economic equality and improved ties with North Korea, Lee is at the forefront of President Yoon Sook-yool, who was banished late last year following an attempted martial law imposition.
The 60-year-old major opposition leader led the bluff each process against Yun over martial law in December.
In another speech, Lee likened Yun’s attempts at martial law to the actions of past authoritarian leaders, pledging to guide the country from political and economic turmoil.
A Constitutional Court ruling earlier this month removed Yoon and prompted a call for a new presidential election.
Corruption investigations are approaching
Lee has led a few weeks of polls, maintaining a double-digit lead over conservative power party candidates who will announce their candidates on May 3rd.
This is Lee’s third attempt to secure a presidency. He lost slightly to Yoon in 2022, and had the closest connection to Korea’s democratic history. In 2017, he came in third in the Democratic primary.
Lee has committed to strengthening South Korea’s defensive capabilities and positioning the country as a leader in the high-tech industry, cultural powers and model democracy.
Known for his anti-establishment stance, Lee has built a reputation as a champion against corruption and inequality. He served as Governor Governor of Korea’s most populous province and mayor of Song Nam city.
However, he is currently facing five trials on charges related to corruption and other criminal offences, including allegations related to bribery and a billion-dollar property development scandal. If he wins the presidency, these trials are likely to be suspended due to the president’s immunity.
The rise of Lee comes when the people’s power parties struggle to regain public trust after Yun’s martial law orders have plunged the nation into chaos. He made headlines for his role in climbing the parliamentary wall as the troops surrounded the building, helping to secure votes to ultimately override the orders.
