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

And with the election seen as a three-way race, also joining the campaign trail is the Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok, who pledged to nourish the economy and rebuild institutions.

Lee headed to 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."