SEOUL (SOUTH KOREA) – On June 3, South Koreans will vote in a snap South Korea Presidential Election triggered by the dramatic fall of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and removed from office over his martial law declaration in December 2024.

South Korea Presidential Election Polls open at 6 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m., with results expected by June 4. Voters will decide who will lead the country out of a months-long political crisis and into a new chapter of governance.

South Korea Presidential Election Frontrunners: Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo

Out of six candidates, the race has boiled down to two heavyweights:

• Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea (DP), a liberal human rights lawyer.
• Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), a former labor minister.

South Korea Presidential Election Polls show Lee leading by a significant margin. According to Gallup Korea, Lee has support from 46% to 49% of voters, while Kim trails at 35% to 37%.

South Korea Presidential Election: Who is Lee Jae-myung?

Lee, 60, is a self-made politician who rose from poverty to become a human rights lawyer, mayor, and governor. He narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon and later played a central role in Yoon’s impeachment.

In December 2024, Lee made headlines by live-streaming himself jumping a fence to enter the National Assembly and fight the martial law decree. His actions won public praise and went viral.

He survived a stabbing attack in January 2024 and continues to campaign despite ongoing legal trials. Lee denies all charges, calling them politically motivated.

South Korea Presidential Election: Who is Kim Moon-soo?

Kim, 73, is a former labor activist turned conservative politician. He served as Labor Minister under a previous administration and rejoined politics through the People Power Party.

His campaign has struggled. Kim refused to criticize Yoon, costing him moderate support. His party, the PPP, has also faced internal division and legal disputes over candidacy.

Kim promises to restore public trust, cut taxes, support tech innovation, and promote nuclear energy.

South Korea Presidential Election  After Political Chaos

This election follows months of national turmoil. Yoon’s martial law order shocked the public and fractured the conservative establishment. Parliament impeached him, and the Constitutional Court removed him in April 2025.

South Korea has since cycled through interim leaders. Public frustration over leadership instability and economic decline has fueled record voter interest.

South Korea Presidential Election Top Issues: Economy, Justice, and Security

Economic hardship is a major concern. The country’s GDP shrank in Q1 2025. Youth unemployment is up. Tariffs from Donald Trump’s “America First” trade policy have hurt exports, especially in manufacturing and aviation.

Lee has criticized rushed trade deals with the U.S., while Kim has pledged to meet Trump early to resolve the matter.

The next president will also face North Korea’s growing nuclear threat, aging demographics, and rising social inequality. Lee leans toward dialogue with Pyongyang, while Kim promises a hardline approach and stronger ties with the U.S. military.  

National Divide and Legal Fallout

The nation remains deeply polarized after Yoon’s ouster. Millions rallied for or against his impeachment. Yoon accused the liberal majority of “anti-state” actions, and his supporters protested with “Stop the Steal” slogans.

If elected, Lee vows unity, saying he will not seek revenge. But critics fear that ongoing investigations into Yoon’s actions could deepen divides.

Yoon is still facing charges, including insurrection, a capital offense. His trials may continue to dominate headlines in the new administration.

What Happens Next?

The winner of Tuesday’s election will be sworn in on Wednesday, June 4, without the typical two-month transition period. The new president must quickly address:

• Economic recovery
• A looming trade conflict with the U.S.
• North Korea’s military developments
• Ongoing public distrust in institutions

This election marks a pivotal moment for South Korea — one that may redefine its political future, global role, and domestic stability.

National Assembly of the Republic of Korea

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