SEOUL — South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, who currently leads national opinion polls, officially launched his campaign for the presidency on Thursday, April 10. The presidential election is set for June 3, following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. Yoon’s ousting came after the Constitutional Court upheld his removal in April, which was triggered by his controversial martial law declaration in December.

Lee, 61, previously ran against Yoon in the 2022 election and lost by the narrowest margin in South Korean history. Since then, he has solidified his political standing, especially after leading his liberal Democratic Party to a sweeping parliamentary victory last year. His popularity among progressive voters has remained strong, positioning him as a top contender.

In preparation for the presidential race, Lee resigned on Wednesday from his position as leader of the main opposition party to concentrate fully on his campaign. Recent data from Gallup Korea, published on April 4, shows Lee with a commanding lead—garnering 34% support. His closest conservative rival, former labor minister Kim Moon-soo, holds only 9%. The conservative camp remains unsettled, with no clear front-runner.

The ruling People Power Party, now without Yoon, plans to hold a primary in May to select its candidate for the upcoming election. However, the field remains wide open, giving Lee a potential edge if his support holds steady. This presidential race comes at a critical time for South Korea, as the nation grapples with political instability and seeks to restore public trust in leadership following the recent turmoil. Lee’s early momentum could significantly shape the direction of the campaign and the future of the country.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.