Lee Jae-myung Wins Democratic Party Presidential Nomination in ROK
On Sunday, South Korea's leading opposition party, the Democratic Party of Korea, appointed Lee Jae-myung, the former leader of the party, as its candidate for the upcoming snap presidential election set for June 3.
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On Sunday, South Korea's main opposition party, the Democratic Party of Korea, designated Lee Jae-myung, the former leader of the party, as its candidate for the upcoming snap presidential election scheduled for June 3.
Lee has consistently topped opinion polls for weeks, maintaining a significant double-digit lead over candidates from the conservative People Power Party, which is set to announce its nominee on May 3.
"From this point on, Lee Jae-myung is not only the candidate of the Democratic Party, but also the candidate of all the people yearning for the end of insurrection, an overcoming of the crisis, for those who seek unity and happiness," Lee stated in his acceptance speech following his victory in the party's candidacy.
In his vision for the future, Lee pledged to enhance South Korea's defense capabilities and position the nation as a leader in high-tech industries, a cultural powerhouse, and an exemplary democracy.
He previously led the Democratic Party to a decisive victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections and was anticipated to win the primary, having outperformed two other party candidates in regional contests.
At 61, the lawyer-turned-politician narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election, marking one of the closest races in South Korea's democratic history.
That election was ultimately won by Yoon Suk-yeol, who was recently impeached by the Constitutional Court due to his brief imposition of martial law earlier this month.
In a separate address earlier on Sunday, Lee drew parallels between Yoon's martial law declaration and the abuses of previous authoritarian leaders, vowing to navigate the country through its political and economic turmoil, including working towards improved relations with North Korea.
Lee was among the lawmakers who hurried to the National Assembly when Yoon declared martial law on December 3, ensuring that the legislature rejected the military order.
Last year, while visiting a proposed new airport in Busan, Lee survived a knife attack during an interaction with journalists and supporters.
Having taken on the role of party leader in 2022 and resigning earlier this month to pursue the presidency, Lee is no stranger to controversy.
Earlier this year, an appeals court overturned his guilty verdict for election law violations; however, the Supreme Court is still deliberating the case for a final resolution.
He is also facing several trials related to issues ranging from bribery to various charges linked to a $1 billion property development scandal.
Before rising to the leadership of the Democratic Party, Lee served as the mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province, South Korea's most populous region.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
Lee has consistently topped opinion polls for weeks, maintaining a significant double-digit lead over candidates from the conservative People Power Party, which is set to announce its nominee on May 3.
"From this point on, Lee Jae-myung is not only the candidate of the Democratic Party, but also the candidate of all the people yearning for the end of insurrection, an overcoming of the crisis, for those who seek unity and happiness," Lee stated in his acceptance speech following his victory in the party's candidacy.
In his vision for the future, Lee pledged to enhance South Korea's defense capabilities and position the nation as a leader in high-tech industries, a cultural powerhouse, and an exemplary democracy.
He previously led the Democratic Party to a decisive victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections and was anticipated to win the primary, having outperformed two other party candidates in regional contests.
At 61, the lawyer-turned-politician narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election, marking one of the closest races in South Korea's democratic history.
That election was ultimately won by Yoon Suk-yeol, who was recently impeached by the Constitutional Court due to his brief imposition of martial law earlier this month.
In a separate address earlier on Sunday, Lee drew parallels between Yoon's martial law declaration and the abuses of previous authoritarian leaders, vowing to navigate the country through its political and economic turmoil, including working towards improved relations with North Korea.
Lee was among the lawmakers who hurried to the National Assembly when Yoon declared martial law on December 3, ensuring that the legislature rejected the military order.
Last year, while visiting a proposed new airport in Busan, Lee survived a knife attack during an interaction with journalists and supporters.
Having taken on the role of party leader in 2022 and resigning earlier this month to pursue the presidency, Lee is no stranger to controversy.
Earlier this year, an appeals court overturned his guilty verdict for election law violations; however, the Supreme Court is still deliberating the case for a final resolution.
He is also facing several trials related to issues ranging from bribery to various charges linked to a $1 billion property development scandal.
Before rising to the leadership of the Democratic Party, Lee served as the mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province, South Korea's most populous region.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
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