Lee Jae-myung secures DP’s presidential nomination with landslide victory in primary

On the political front.

The Democratic Party has elected its party candidate for the presidential race.

Lee Jae-myung officially kicked off his campaign with a move seen as an attempt to broaden his appeal to centrist and conservative voters.

Shin Ha-young reports.

"Lee Jae-myung has been confirmed as the DP's presidential nominee after winning 89-point-7-7 percent of the vote."

No surprises, as expected.

The Democratic Party wrapped up its presidential primaries on Sunday with a victory for former party leader Lee Jae-myung.

In his acceptance speech, Lee blamed himself for losing in the last presidential election and vowed to win this time.

"I will win and take back the government. I promise to build a new Korea, full of hope and energy, to repay your trust."

According to the DP, Lee won the votes of over 90 percent of party members and delegates, and over 89 percent in a public poll of one million people.

With both results weighted 50 percent each, he secured 89-point-7-7 percent of the total vote.

It's the highest figure ever recorded in a presidential primary among DP-affiliated candidates.

Lee's two opponents Kim Dong-yeon, who came in second with 6-point-8-7 percent, and Kim Kyung-soo, who followed with 3-point-3-6 percent finished well behind.

"Lee Jae-myung, who stayed as the front-runner throughout the primary, is now running for president as the Democratic Party's candidate for the second time, following his presidential bid in 2022."

Lee kicked off his first day as a presidential candidate with a visit to the Seoul National Cemetery on Monday morning.

He paid tribute to former presidents, including those from the conservative side, seen as a move to emphasize unity and expand his appeal to centrist and conservative voters.

"We must work to unite the country. While I am the DP's candidate, I will also do my best to become a candidate for all the people. I hope today's cemetery visit doesn't spark new conflict."

In the afternoon, Lee held a meeting at SK hynix headquarters on AI memory semiconductors.

Ahead of the meeting, he emphasized his goal of making South Korea the top semiconductor country and pledged to quickly pass a special act aimed at boosting the domestic semiconductor industry.

Meanwhile, the DP plans to launch its election campaign committee on Wednesday.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.