Chun Jung-bae, one of the lawmakers who oppose a free trade agreement with the United States, declared his bid for presidency.
Chun, now an independent at the National Assembly, is one of the defectors from the pro-government Uri Party, who stresses that the Roh Moo-hyun administration has pushed for humiliating negotiations with the U.S.
In a statement, he said, ``I feel a big responsibility over policy failures of the Uri Party, which was formerly supported by the low and middle income voters.''
Only a candidate who has willingness to introspect the failures of the Uri Party can beat the conservative Grand National Party, he added.
The 52-year-old candidate, who served as a justice minister between 2005 and 2006, vowed to become a president for better public livelihood.