Seoul, South Korea (AP) – Following months of political unrest, South Korea will hold a presidential election this week to succeed the conservative Yoon Suk Yeol, who faced significant backlash for his brief and controversial declaration of martial law.
Polling indicates that the liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is favored to win Tuesday’s snap election, buoyed by public discontent over Yoon’s martial law missteps from December. Main conservative contenders, including Kim Moon Su, are seeking an upset, although analysts suggest they have been hesitant to openly criticize Yoon, complicating their efforts to close the distance with Lee.
The newly elected president will be inaugurated on Wednesday, foregoing the usual two-month transition period. The new leader will be tasked with addressing severe domestic inequalities exacerbated by Yoon’s policies, particularly in relation to North Korea’s escalating nuclear ambitions and President Donald Trump’s administration’s approach.
Who is running for president?
Lee, representing the primary Liberal Democrats, is the frontrunner in the election. Recent Gallup Korea surveys show that between 46% and 49% of respondents support Lee as their choice for president, while Kim’s support ranges from 35% to 37%.
Lee Jae-myeon, the South Korean Democratic presidential candidate, will speak at the presidential election campaign in Seoul, South Korea on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 (AP Photo/Lee Jin-Man, File)
Lee narrowly lost in the 2022 elections, trailing Yoon in key votes, and the parliament later overturned Yoon’s martial law conditions, leading to a rejected appeal before the Constitutional Court in April.
Lee’s open criticism of South Korea’s conservative establishment and his calls for accountability concerning Yoon’s martial law have raised worries among opponents that his presidency could further divide the nation.
Presidential candidate Kim Moon Sue of South Korea’s Power Party will speak at the presidential election campaign in Seoul, South Korea on Monday, May 19, 2025 (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File)
Kim, previously Yoon’s labor minister, is facing an uphill battle against Lee, as his party works to regain public trust. Observers note that Kim’s hesitance to openly criticize Yoon has alienated moderate voters.
Three additional candidates are in the race, including Lee Jun Sok, who leads a small reformist party and has firmly rejected Kim’s appeal for a unified conservative candidate to avoid splitting votes.
What are the main issues?
The election is characterized by ugly rhetoric, with candidates trading personal attacks and inappropriate comments rather than presenting thoughtful visions for the country.
During a recent debate, Lee Jae-myung labeled Kim as “Yoon Seok Yeol’s avatar,” while Kim accused Lee of embodying “monster politics” and dictatorship. Meanwhile, Lee Jun Sok faced criticism for inappropriate comments regarding Lee Jae-myung’s son, referencing female bodies in a derogatory manner.
Unlike previous elections, the topic of North Korea’s nuclear program has not emerged as a focal issue, as most candidates believe there are limited options for persuading North Korea to relinquish its nuclear arsenal. Additionally, Trump’s trade policies do not seem to be contentious this election cycle.
Kim aims to portray Lee as a perilous leader who may seek to consolidate power, potentially compromising judicial independence. Lee has consistently questioned Kim and Yoon’s alliance.
What challenges await the new leaders?
The next President of South Korea will face tight timelines for negotiations with the U.S. before July 9, when Trump may re-impose a 25% tax on Korean goods. A recent federal court ruling found that Trump lacked the authority to impose such tariffs, but the White House has appealed, leaving the situation uncertain.
The outgoing administration had been working to protect the trade-dependent economy by attempting to finalize a comprehensive agreement with the U.S. before the deadline.
Lee has criticized officials for prioritizing short-term political goals over national interests, whereas Kim has insisted on meeting with Trump promptly to resolve trade issues.
Seoul’s future government might struggle to mitigate security concerns regarding North Korea’s evolving nuclear capabilities, amidst Russia’s aggressions in Ukraine.
Lee has expressed a desire to enhance relations with North Korea but acknowledges that a summit with Kim Jong Un is unlikely in the near future. He supports Trump’s re-engagement in nuclear diplomacy with the North, while Kim Moon Su has pledged to strengthen South Korea’s military capabilities and align closely with U.S. security policies, favoring Yoon’s hawkish stance on North Korea.
Can the new government alleviate disparities among the people?
The pressing domestic challenge for the upcoming president is the ongoing public division, driven by demonstrations for and against Yoon.
Yoon had branded Lee’s party as “anti-state,” accusing them of abusing their legislative majority to obstruct his agenda, while his supporters promoted conspiracy theories about election fraud.
Lee has pledged a message of unity and sought to avoid political retribution against rivals if victorious. Nonetheless, critics worry that Lee’s inquiry into Yoon’s martial law could be construed as politically motivated.
As the former president faces serious legal troubles, including potential life imprisonment, Yoon’s legal saga is expected to overshadow the early days of the new administration, with notable implications on rebellion charges.
Source: apnews.com