Seoul: Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung was set to begin his official campaign in central Seoul on Monday for the June 3 presidential election. Seven candidates made their bids official for the presidential vote, triggered by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid in December, with Lee expected to face People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo.
According to Yonhap News Agency, public opinion polls have shown that Lee has maintained his lead, as the PPP has been embroiled in an internal rift regarding a potential candidacy merger between Kim and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo last week. Lee will launch his campaign at Cheonggye Plaza near Seoul’s Gwanghwamun, a location the DP chose as a symbolic site representing the ouster of Yoon.
After the rally, Lee plans to embark on a tour of what he calls the “K-Initiative Belt,” which includes the suburban cities of Seongnam and Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province, as well as the central city of Daejeon. His itinerary includes a meeting with innovative industry workers in Pangyo, just south of Seoul, and a focus on campaigning on the themes of semiconductors and technology in Dongtan and Daejeon.
Later in the day, the DP’s election committee is expected to unveil Lee’s key campaign pledges at the National Assembly.