Lee Jae Myung's Declaration Video for Presidential Election Candidacy. Lee Jae Myung TV

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The attire and location chosen by presidential candidates for the 21st presidential election are political messages in themselves. A prime example is the 'beige knit sweater' worn by former Democratic Party leader Lee Jaemyung. Sitting in front of a wooden desk in a cozy beige knit, Lee delivered his declaration in an apparent move to project a 'softer Lee Jaemyung' image.

Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Kyungsoo of the Democratic Party declared his presidential candidacy on the 13th at Sejong City Hall. Photo by Yonhap News

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In contrast, former South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyungsoo, who is usually associated with a gentle image, drew attention by emphasizing a youthful yet strong image as he declared his candidacy in a vivid navy suit and tie.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim declared his candidacy for the 21st presidential election on the 9th at Incheon Airport Terminal 2. Governor Kim made the presidential election announcement during an "Emergency Departure Briefing on Responding to Tariffs on Auto Parts" held before departing for the United States to find measures against the tariff war initiated by Trump. Photo by Yonhap News

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Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dongyeon chose the departure hall of Incheon International Airport for his candidacy press conference, highlighting his credentials as an 'economic and policy expert'. He was departing for Michigan, USA, to respond to the Trump administration's automotive parts tariff measures.

Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the People Power Party, is heading to the podium on the 8th in front of the statue of Admiral Yi Sunshin at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul to declare his candidacy for the 21st presidential election. Photo by Yonhap News

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Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the People Power Party, took the podium in front of the Admiral Yi Sunshin statue at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, wearing a burgundy (deep red) tie. The signs on the podium read 'National Unity' in blue and 'Era Change' in red, emphasizing harmony.

Former Minister of Employment and Labor Moonsoo Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly on the 9th to announce his candidacy for the 21st presidential election. 2025.4.9 Photo by Hyunmin Kim

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Former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo revealed his identity by wearing a red-toned tie during his candidacy declaration at the National Assembly's communication center. He underscored his conservative stance by announcing his candidacy against a red backdrop with white lettering.

Hoon Kim, former leader of the People Power Party, is declaring his candidacy for the presidential election in front of the National Assembly fountain on the 10th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

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Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon chose the National Assembly Fountain Square as the venue for his candidacy declaration, seemingly to evoke memories of leading 18 party members to pass a resolution calling for the lifting of martial law during the December 3 Martial Law Declaration.

People Power Party lawmaker Na Kyungwon is cheering with supporters on the stairs in front of the National Assembly main building in Yeouido, Seoul, ahead of her presidential election bid announcement on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

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Five-term lawmaker Na Kyungwon of the People Power Party wore a green jacket as she took the podium in front of the main stairs of the National Assembly for her candidacy declaration. She had previously worn a green jacket during her 2019 parliamentary speech as floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party (the predecessor to the People Power Party).

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo is declaring his candidacy for the 21st presidential election at the Camp office in Daehwa Building, Yeouido, Seoul on the 14th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo held his candidacy declaration at Daehwa Building in Yeouido, Seoul, a location considered auspicious for presidential bids. He referenced the phrase 'Jaejosanha (Recreate the Nation)', which Admiral Yi Sunshin wrote for Ryu Seongryong during the Imjin War.

Reform New Party presidential candidate Lee Junseok is greeting citizens at Dongdaegu Station Intersection in Dong-gu, Daegu on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

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Lee Junseok, former leader of the Reform Party and the youngest preliminary presidential candidate in constitutional history, highlighted his youth by dressing in the party's signature orange color from his outfit to the campaign office walls.