Seoul: Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung officially kicked off his campaign in central Seoul on Monday for the upcoming June 3 presidential election. Lee's campaign launch took place at Cheonggye Plaza near Gwanghwamun, a location chosen by the DP for its symbolic significance in representing the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the presidential race includes seven candidates, prompted by Yoon's unsuccessful martial law attempt in December. Lee is expected to face a significant challenge from People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo. During a ceremony to inaugurate the party's central campaign committee, Lee emphasized that the election represents a fight against entrenched elites who have undermined constitutional order and citizens' livelihoods.
Public opinion surveys indicate that Lee maintains a lead, despite internal discord within the PPP regarding a potential candidacy merger between Kim and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo last week.
Following the rally, Lee plans to visit the "K-Initiative Belt," which includes the suburban cities of Seongnam and Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province, as well as the central city of Daejeon. In Pangyo, located just south of Seoul, Lee engaged with workers in the innovative industry sector before continuing his campaign in Dongtan and Daejeon, focusing on themes related to semiconductors and technology.
During a meeting at Pangyo Techno Valley, Lee announced plans to significantly increase support for startup companies. He also addressed the difficult working conditions faced by developers in the IT sector, including long hours and high labor intensity. Lee's choice of Pangyo as his initial campaign stop is viewed as a strategic move to attract centrist voters, leveraging his background as the former mayor of Seongnam.