South Korea’s opposition leader explains his presidential candidacy – Diepresse.com
After the removal of Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea is re -elected. Lee Jae Myung was just inferior to him in the 2022 election. He led the Democratic Party to a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections.
The South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae Myung has announced his candidacy for the office of president. In a video released on Thursday, Lee promised to eliminate economic polarization, which in his opinion is one of the main causes of social conflicts in South Korea. Lee also said that he would advance extensive investments in technology and talent development at government level in order to boost economic growth.
Lee promised a pragmatic approach in foreign policy. « Realistically speaking, the alliance between South Korea and the USA is important, and the cooperation between South Korea, the USA and Japan is important. The national interest of the Republic of Korea is always a top priority, » said Lee in the video.
Ex-President Yoon called for war law
The 61-year-old Lee had lost in the 2022 presidential election against Yoon Suk Yeol with the scarce result in the country’s history. But last year he led his democratic party to a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections.
Ex-President Yoon had proclaimed war law in December and thus triggered the country’s most severe political crisis for decades. He was relieved of his office. The 64-year-old must now be responsible for turmoil in criminal proceedings.
Several legal proceedings against Lee
Lee is also in the sights of the judiciary. In March, a court lifted a guilty verdict on violation of the electoral law. However, the public prosecutor made an appeal to the Supreme Court. Against Lee, further proceedings are running due to charges that range from bribes to corruption. It is unclear whether one of these legal proceedings will hinder Lee in the election campaign.
The new President of South Korea is faced with the task of controlling the fourth largest economy of Asia through the trade war with the United States. He will also be confronted with a bitter party political dispute, which was still exacerbated by the elevation of Yoons. (APA/Reuters)
