Lee Jae-myung Resigns as Democratic Party Leader, Prepares for Presidential Bid

On Wednesday, Lee Jae-myung announced his resignation as the head of South Korea's leading opposition party, the Democratic Party, as he gears up for a potential presidential campaign. During a supreme council meeting, Lee expressed gratitude towards party members, lawmakers, and officials for their support and achievements throughout his three-year leadership, signaling a transition towards a new chapter in his political journey.

As the most trusted presidential hopeful, Lee hinted at his forthcoming declaration to run for president in the near future. He emphasized the importance of resilience among the citizens, promising that their challenges would be overcome with the collective strength that has helped them face past adversities, reaffirming his commitment to stand alongside them during this process.

In light of recent political changes, including the constitutional court's removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol due to the controversial imposition of martial law, a snap presidential election has been scheduled for June 3. Having narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential race, Lee is now regarded as a prominent contender for this upcoming election. Polls indicate that he enjoys significant support, with a recent survey revealing that 49.6 percent of respondents intended to vote for the Democratic Party's candidate, while Lee holds an impressive 85.5 percent backing as the preferred candidate from his party.