South Korea’s presidential front-runner Lee Jae-myung enters leadership race
Lee has pledged to take a pragmatic approach to foreign policy and the economy in sharp contrast with impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol
A human rights lawyer turned populist powerhouse, Lee Jae-myung is once again on the cusp of South Korea’s presidency – pledging pragmatic nationalism and a sharp break from his impeached predecessor’s combative, ideology-driven style. The 61-year-old liberal formally announced his candidacy on April 10, 2025. In a recorded video Lee said he stepped in to “answer the call” of a public still reeling from the impeachment and removal of president Yoon Suk-yeol. A snap election has been set for June 3. Lee, who lost the presidency to Yoon by the narrowest margin in South Korean history in 2022, now enjoys a commanding lead in the polls.