Seoul, April 10
South Korea's former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung declared his presidential bid for the June election on Thursday, vowing to become "the best tool" to serve the people.
Lee considered the front-runner in the June 3 presidential election triggered by the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, announced his bid a day after he stepped down from the party chairmanship, reports news agency.
"I do not just want a country that only carries the name 'Republic of Korea,' but I want to help build a real Republic of Korea," Lee said in a 10-minute video message. "Such a Korea is created by its people and I hope to become a great tool -- the best tool -- of our great people."
He identified economic polarisation as the root cause of the social conflicts in the country, pledging to restore economic growth through large-scale investments while helping improve people's livelihoods.
Lee also vowed to pursue foreign policies that prioritise national interests, stressing the importance of the alliance between South Korea and the United States and trilateral cooperation involving Japan.
Officials said he will hold a press conference at the National Assembly on Friday to present his vision for the nation and announce the members of his election campaign.
Lee has been leading in early opinion polls, though he is at the heart of several scandals, including a land development scandal in Seongnam, south of Seoul.
Lee lost the presidential race to Yoon by a thin margin in 2022.
Meanwhile, former President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled to leave the presidential residence on Friday at the earliest to return to his private residence in southern Seoul, officials said on Thursday, following his removal from office last week.
"Yoon's departure from the presidential residence is expected within this week," said an official at the presidential office, adding it will be between Friday and Sunday.