Reform Party candidate promises new future with stronger economy, democratic institutions

Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok has pledged to lead South Korea to the future, strengthening its economy and rebuilding its institutions.

Kicking off his official campaign at midnight Monday, Lee visited an industrial complex in the southern city of Yeosu, calling for policies to revitalize the country's struggling export hubs.

He also proposed introducing flexibility on the minimum wage, to boost labor competitiveness, while ramping up industrial safety standards.

Upon his return to Seoul, he launched himself as a presidential contender at the age of 40, saying the upcoming election is a showdown between "the future and the past, integrity and corruption."