Lee Jae-myung Announces Presidential Run in South Korea Election

Lee Jae-myung, the former head of South Korea's largest opposition party, has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency, following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. With the snap presidential election scheduled for June 3, Lee is currently the frontrunner in polls, having gained significant popularity since losing to Yoon by a narrow margin in the 2022 election. Despite his strong polling, Lee's campaign is marred by ongoing legal challenges, including multiple criminal trials related to bribery and other allegations. The political landscape remains competitive, with several candidates from the ruling People Power Party also vying for nomination. Lee's candidacy is seen as pivotal in navigating the political tensions following Yoon's impeachment and the broader economic challenges facing South Korea. His controversial past and the scandals surrounding him add complexity to his campaign as he attempts to secure the Democratic Party's nomination.