Lee Jae-myung launches presidential bid amid political turmoil in South Korea
- Lee Jae-myung has officially declared his presidential bid, focusing on economic reforms.
- The ruling People Power Party is experiencing internal strife following the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol.
- Lee's campaign marks a significant shift in South Korea's political landscape amid ongoing legal challenges.
In South Korea, the political landscape has witnessed significant shifts following the recent impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. On April 10, 2025, Lee Jae-myung, the opposition leader and front-runner in opinion polls, announced his candidacy for the presidency. This announcement comes in the wake of a Gallup poll indicating rising support for Lee, who previously narrowly lost the presidential election against Yoon in 2022. Lee’s campaign is focused on economic growth, promising to address issues of inequality and drive government-led investments in technology and talent development. The context contributing to his bid is the turmoil surrounding Yoon's presidency, which ended with his impeachment over a controversial martial law declaration. Following this event, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) is in disarray, with various factions and potential candidates emerging, including conservative figures like Han Dong-hoon and other notable politicians. Lee's strategy includes ensuring close ties with the United States and fostering cooperation with Japan while prioritizing South Korea's national interests. Despite his strong support among liberal voters, Lee faces legal challenges that could impact his presidential prospects, as he is currently embroiled in several ongoing cases related to corruption and election law violations. His past experiences as a lawmaker, provincial governor, and city mayor shape his approach to the forthcoming election. Amidst rising tensions within the PPP, Lee’s proposals aim to heal the divided nation through government actions intended to spur economic recovery. As the candidate for the Democratic Party, Lee's outspoken nature has garnered him both admiration and criticism, with detractors labeling him a populist. His declaration marks a crucial point in South Korea's political evolution, as party primaries approach for the ruling party, and the electoral landscape continues to evolve following this unprecedented impeachment incident.