Lee Jae-myung steps down as party leader, eyes presidential bid

With South Korea heading into a snap election, Lee positions himself at the front of a turbulent political race.
Text: Óscar Ontañón Docal
Published 2025-04-09

The latest news on South Korea. As the country braces for a sudden presidential election in June, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has stepped down from his post, signalling a likely run for the presidency.

His exit comes amid legal battles and a fractured political climate following the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee, a seasoned politician who narrowly lost the 2022 election, remains the front-runner despite facing unresolved court cases.

Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party is scrambling to unify a scattered field of candidates, as the nation confronts rising economic tensions and shifting global alliances. For now, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.

Lee Jae-myung

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