Who is South Korea’s presidential front runner Lee Jae-myung?
Lee has pledged to take a pragmatic approach to foreign policy and the economy in sharp contrast with impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol
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. A Gallup Korea poll released this week showed him with 34 per cent support – nearly four times that of his nearest rival.
He stepped down as leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) on Wednesday to focus fully on his campaign.
With South Korea grappling with a political vacuum, rising regional tensions and growing economic uncertainty, Lee’s potential return is drawing fresh international attention. His focus on national interest and diplomatic balance has positioned him as a clear alternative to Yoon’s hardline, values-driven foreign policy.
“It is important to maintain close ties with our ally, the United States, and to strengthen trilateral cooperation with Japan,” Lee said in the video announcing his candidacy.
“But the guiding principle must be our national interest. We will cooperate where cooperation is needed and compete where competition is necessary while managing any frictions appropriately.”