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Lee Jae-myung, a presidential primary candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, greets supporters after the vote announcement during a joint campaign rally for the Yeongnam region at the Ulsan Exhibition and Convention Center in Ulju County, Ulsan, on April 20. / Source: Yonhap News

Lee Jae-myung, a presidential primary candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea, vowed on April 21 to boost South Korea’s stock market and lead the country into a new “KOSPI 5000 era” through economic recovery and growth.

In a post shared on Facebook, Lee emphasized the need for an advanced, mature stock market that allows ordinary citizens to grow their assets. “It’s time our people had access to a modernized stock market where they can genuinely build wealth,” he wrote.

Calling the revitalization of the Korean stock market the fastest and most accessible way to increase national wealth, Lee said, “We must transform our capital markets into attractive destinations for investment, where people can trust and invest in innovative companies.”

He also pledged to reform abnormal corporate governance practices that hinder managerial efficiency. “We will gradually reform distorted ownership structures and present a clear, long-term roadmap for economic and industrial growth,” he stated.

The roadmap, according to Lee, would specify key industries, investment volumes, and implementation strategies. “This will provide predictability and stability so the private sector can formulate and execute effective investment plans,” he added.

To ensure fairness in the financial markets, Lee proposed a “one-strike-out” policy for major violations. “Market vitality stems from fairness,” he said. “We will strictly crack down on unfair trading practices such as stock manipulation and insider trading by executives and major shareholders, and enhance recovery of illegal short-term profits.”

Lee also reaffirmed his commitment to revising the Commercial Act. His proposals include activating cumulative voting to allow the election of directors who represent minority shareholders, expanding the separate election of audit committee members, ensuring fair valuation in corporate mergers, and strengthening protections for general shareholders.

“It’s time to end the era of the ‘Korea discount’ and open an era of ‘Korea premium,’” Lee declared. “With fair and rational corporate governance and market order, our stock market can achieve a major leap forward.”