Seoul: Mayor Hong Joon-pyo officially announced his bid for the June 3 presidential election Monday, marking his third attempt to secure the presidency.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hong declared his candidacy in a Facebook post, emphasizing the need for the Democratic Party's presumed front-runner Lee Jae-myung to be tried following the conclusion of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law imposition, which led to his ouster. Hong framed the election as a choice between his potential administration and that of Lee Jae-myung, emphasizing his own experience and competence while highlighting Lee's legal challenges, which include five trials on corruption charges and four criminal records.

Hong, a member of the conservative People Power Party, also shared plans to engage diplomatically with U.S. President Donald Trump if elected. He stated his intent to defend South Korea's national interests, responding appropriately to Trump's approach, whether conventional or business-like.

Addressing security concerns, Hong asserted that North Korea's nuclear capabilities necessitate a similar response from South Korea. He argued that with North Korea's nuclear weapons now a reality, South Korea must also develop its own nuclear capabilities.

The upcoming presidential election on June 3 follows the Constitutional Court's decision to uphold Yoon's impeachment earlier this month, removing him from office.