Lee Jae-myung announces bid for 2nd term as DP chief

Rep. Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), declared his bid on Wednesday for a second term as the party leader in the elections slated for next month. "I will sacrifice everything I have to change 'today's despair' into a 'hopeful tomorrow,'" Lee said during a press conference at his party's office in Yeouido in western Seoul. Highlighting the need to focus on people's livelihoods and advance areas like artificial intelligence, he also proposed that South Korea aim to adopt a four-day workweek by 2035. On diplomacy, he stressed that building peace is more important than demonstrating military power to deter other countries. "The purpose of diplomacy is national interest, and a practical approach is essential," he said. Last month, Lee resigned to run for reelection as the current party rule stipulates the party chair must resign from his leadership position to be eligible as a candidate. Lee, who is considered a leading candidate for the liberal party for the next e lection slated for 2027, is at the heart of several scandals, including a land development scandal in Seongnam, south of Seoul, and his alleged involvement in an underwear company's unauthorized remittance to North Korea five years ago. In January, he was stabbed in the neck while visiting the southeastern port city of Busan. "I will not be afraid, nor will I hide away, even if another blade comes at me," he said. Source: Yonhap News Agency