South Korea presidential candidate Lee says to restore hotline with North Korea

Lee, who is the frontrunner in opinion polls for the June 3 election, also said he would "stably manage" relations with China

S Korea's Lee says to restore hotline with N Korea

South Korea's presidential candidate, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party looks on before televised presidential debate for the forthcoming June 3 presidential election at SBS studio on May 18, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. Chung Sung-Jun/Pool via REUTERS

Reuters

Published : 26 May 2025, 08:46 AM

Updated : 26 May 2025, 08:46 AM

South Korea's liberal presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung said in a Facebook message on Monday he would pursue the restoration of communication between Seoul and North Korea, including via a military hotline if elected.

Lee, who is the frontrunner in opinion polls for the June 3 election, also said he would "stably manage" relations with China, which he said had reached the "worst state" under the previous administration.

He vowed to develop the US-South Korea relationship into a "comprehensive strategic alliance," and respond in principle to past historical and territorial issues related to Japan while strengthening cooperation between South Korea, the US and Japan.