Seoul: Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung on Thursday intensified his efforts to promote pro-business and economic policies as the South Korean political landscape shifts ahead of the June 3 election. This strategic move comes on the heels of a postponed retrial over election law violations, allowing Lee to capitalize on reduced legal uncertainties.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul High Court's decision to delay Lee's retrial hearing from May 15 to June 18 has provided him with a crucial reprieve. This postponement offers Lee a critical opportunity to strengthen his electoral campaign without the immediate threat of a potential conviction, which could have jeopardized his candidacy in the upcoming election.

In a bid to bolster his pro-business credentials, Lee met with leaders of South Korea's major business lobbies, including the Federation of Korean Industries and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. At the meeting, Lee emphasized the importance of reviving the economy to improve the livelihoods of South Korean citizens. He assured business leaders of his commitment to turning growth and development proposals into actionable policies.

Lee's recent actions reflect a noticeable pivot towards business-friendly policies, a shift from his previous campaign strategies. His outreach to the business community, including meetings with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and heads of major conglomerates' think tanks, underscores his intention to appeal to centrist and conservative voters.

Later in the day, Lee was scheduled to engage with representatives from various occupational sectors, including healthcare and small business, as part of his broader economic vision. Yun Ho-jung, chief of Lee's campaign team, indicated that these efforts are part of a larger strategy to unveil comprehensive plans for the economy and societal well-being.

In discussions with business YouTubers, Lee cautioned against hasty negotiations with the Trump administration regarding its tariff policies. He advocated for a strategic approach to understanding U.S. intentions, suggesting that tariffs are being used as a negotiating tool rather than an end goal. Lee stressed the importance of a unified response from both the government and private sector to address the tariff issue, as consultations between Seoul and Washington continue with the aim of reaching an agreement by July 8.