Late June to Early July 'Presidential Election Big Show' Begins

Chairman Choi Jae-hyung of the Board of Audit and Inspection Resigns Today
Yoon Seok-yeol to Announce Presidential Bid Tomorrow
Lee Jae-myung to Officially Declare Candidacy on the 1st of Next Month
Lee Nak-yeon to Announce Candidacy Around the 5th of Next Month
Hong Joon-pyo and Hwang Kyo-ahn to Enter the Race This Week
Jung Se-kyun and Lee Kwang-jae Confirm Unification

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Koo Chae-eun, Geum Bo-ryeong] In late June to early July, about eight months before the presidential election, the presidential race clock began to tick rapidly. From the 28th of this month to the 5th of next month, a week full of political events will unfold, including three declarations of presidential candidacy, announcements of unification, statements on political positions, and preliminary candidate registrations.

The so-called 'Super Week' was kicked off by Choi Jae-hyung, the Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection. On the 28th, he expressed his intention to resign to President Moon Jae-in and hinted at a political move. However, regarding specific schedules, he said, "I plan to take time to contemplate what role I should play for the future of the Republic of Korea." On the same day, two ruling party candidates, Jeong Se-gyun and Lee Kwang-jae, announced their unification. They agreed to decide and announce by July 5 who will be the unified candidate. The two said, "With the mission of regime continuation, through deep dialogue and agreement, we will first unite by July 5."

On the 29th, Yoon Seok-youl, the former Prosecutor General and the leading opposition candidate in approval ratings, will hold a press conference at the Maehun Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall to officially declare his presidential bid. Immediately after the conference, Yoon’s campaign will launch SNS accounts such as Facebook and Instagram and open an office in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. A campaign official said that Yoon himself will post messages on SNS and directly communicate with the public going forward.

Two days after Yoon’s political declaration, on the 1st of next month, Lee Jae-myung, the Governor of Gyeonggi Province and the leading ruling party candidate, will officially announce his presidential candidacy. On the previous day, the 30th, he will also register as a preliminary candidate for the Democratic Party’s presidential election. On the 28th, the Democratic Party’s preliminary candidate registration began, with Choi Moon-soon, Governor of Gangwon Province, registering first on that day. Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon and Yang Seung-jo, Governor of Chungcheongnam Province, are also expected to register as preliminary candidates on the 29th. Lee’s official declaration of candidacy is expected around July 5. He is currently deliberating over the timing, message, and method of declaration.

People Power Party lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo and former party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn are also starting their 'warm-up.' Hong, whose approval ratings are rising after successfully rejoining the People Power Party, will officially launch his presidential race by releasing a report titled ‘Listening to the People on the Future Vision of the Republic of Korea’ on the 29th. Former leader Hwang plans to hold a book launch event at Yonsei University on the 30th titled ‘A Top-tier Normal Country, Politics in the Post-Corona Era with the Next Generation,’ where he will present his vision as a presidential candidate.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.