Presidential hopeful Lee Jae-myung has promised to resolve the democratic crisis in South Korea and rebuild national trust. On Friday, Lee laid out his vision for a new era during a press conference in Seoul. He firmly stated that he would put an end to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s legacy of political turmoil.
Lee accused Yoon of attempting to impose martial law in December last year. He described the act as an ongoing insurrection. According to Lee, this crisis continues to harm democratic institutions. He credited the South Korean people for Yoon’s removal, calling it a peaceful revolution.
“This revolution should serve as a global example,” Lee said. “The world will look to us for hope and guidance.”
Unlike the 2022 election, Lee now faces what he called a deeper constitutional threat. He claimed that Yoon’s government eroded human rights and used national security to gain control. Lee stressed that these challenges define the democratic crisis in South Korea.
Lee also reflected on his personal growth since his last campaign. He said he now feels more responsibility and motivation to lead.
On foreign policy, Lee mentioned the global shifts triggered by a possible second Trump presidency. He warned that international politics now focus more on self-interest and power.
To stay competitive, Lee wants South Korea to invest in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. He believes that when corporations grow with public funding, profits should be shared. “Growth must help every citizen, not just the elite,” he stated.
Lee highlighted the economic pain facing the country. He pointed to rising costs, high unemployment, and failing small businesses. According to him, many people across South Korea now struggle to survive.
“The real South Korea is just beginning,” Lee declared at the end of his 12-minute address.
Polls show Lee far ahead in the Democratic Party primary. A Gallup Korea survey released Friday gave him 37 percent support. His closest rival, Kim Moon-soo, stood at 9 percent. Others, including Hong Joon-pyo and Han Dong-hoon, trailed with single digits.
The poll, conducted April 8–10, surveyed 1,005 voters aged 18 and older. The margin of error was 3.1 percent, with a 95 percent confidence level.
Lee Jae-myung’s campaign focuses on ending the democratic crisis in South Korea and offering a hopeful new direction. As South Korea prepares for a new election, his message of reform and unity is gaining momentum.
