Screenshot shows South Korea's Gyeonggi governor, Lee Jae Myung, announcing in a video message on July 1, 2021, that he will run for the nation's presidency. (Kyodo)

       SEOUL (Kyodo) -- South Korea's Gyeonggi governor, Lee Jae Myung, on Thursday announced he will run for the nation's presidency, entering the crowded field vying to succeed President Moon Jae In by winning the ruling Democratic Party nomination.

       Lee, who is seen as a strong contender for next March's presidential election, leads the opinion polls among presidential hopefuls within the party, with former Prime Minister Lee Nak Yon in a distant second. The former premier announced his candidacy Tuesday.

       In a prerecorded speech released online, Lee Jae Myung vowed to alleviate inequality in the country and strengthen fairness so that society as a whole can prosper.

       "We should move toward a country where everyone can prosper together by restraining the desires of the powerful that are based on privilege and rule-breaking, while embracing the lives of the weak," said Lee.

       With his entry into the race, the field of nine candidates competing for the party's nomination is confirmed. But before the primary in September, the nine candidates will be narrowed down to six by July 11, based on public opinion polls and surveys among party members.

       Lee Jae Myung, governor of the province that surrounds the capital Seoul, declared his presidential bid online Thursday morning.

       For the opposition, former top prosecutor Yoon Suk Yeol, who announced his bid on Tuesday, is expected to run from the main opposition People Power Party.

       Yoon and Lee Jae Myung are regarded as the front-runners for the presidential election.

       Presidents can serve one five-year term in South Korea.

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