Seoul: Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung kicked off his official campaign in the heart of Seoul on Monday for the upcoming June 3 presidential election. Lee initiated his campaign at Cheonggye Plaza, a location symbolically chosen by the DP to signify the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
According to Yonhap News Agency, seven candidates have officially entered the race for the presidency, which was prompted by Yoon's failed attempt to impose martial law in December. Lee is anticipated to compete primarily against People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo. During a ceremony to launch the party's central campaign committee, Lee emphasized, "This presidential election is not a battle between the DP and the PPP but a battle against the entrenched elite who have destroyed constitutional order and people's lives through the insurrection."
Public opinion polls indicate that Lee maintains a lead, as the PPP faces internal disagreements regarding a possible merger between Kim and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Following the rally, Lee plans to visit what he refers to as the "K-Initiative Belt," which includes the suburban cities of Seongnam and Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province, as well as the central city of Daejeon.
Lee is set to meet with innovative industry workers in Pangyo, located just south of Seoul, and will campaign on themes related to semiconductors and technology in Dongtan and Daejeon. The DP's campaign committee has also revealed Lee's key campaign pledges, focusing on the development of new industries to position South Korea as a leading global economic powerhouse. A set of 10 pledges has been submitted to the National Election Commission.
In the economic realm, the DP aims to elevate South Korea to one of the top three artificial intelligence (AI) powers, committing to increase the AI budget to match the level of developed countries. The party also intends to amend the Commercial Act to expand the fiduciary duty of corporate directors to include responsibilities toward both the company and its shareholders.
In terms of diplomacy and security, the DP promises to enhance diplomatic relations with four neighboring countries, focusing on national interests and pragmatism, while aiming to reduce military tensions on the Korean Peninsula and reclaim wartime operational control. Additional pledges include strengthening democratic control over the president's martial law authority and transforming Sejong into Korea's administrative capital.