Leftwing lawmaker Shim Sang-jung has announced her candidacy for the December presidential election. In a speech Sunday, Shim said she decided to run to represent ordinary people and workers, whose voices are not being heard in the current presidential race.

She promised to spearhead economic reforms centered on big conglomerates, and to put more emphasis on protecting workers' rights.

Shim used be a leading member of the minor opposition United Progressive Party until she left the camp to form a new party last month.