With less than a month to go until South Korea’s presidential election on June 3, the official campaign period began on Monday, marking the start of a heated contest that follows the dramatic ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol in December over a failed martial law attempt.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung is currently leading in the opinion polls. Lee, a seasoned politician and former Gyeonggi governor, is seen as the frontrunner amid public frustration with three years of conservative rule.
Trailing him is People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo, a former labour minister whose candidacy was only finalized two days ago after intra-party strife over a potential merger with ex-Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Kim is expected to consolidate the conservative base and offer a strong challenge to Lee.
Key Election Highlights:
- Seven candidates have officially registered with the National Election Commission during the two-day registration window.
- Official campaigning runs daily from 7 AM to 11 PM, during which candidates can hold public speeches, distribute campaign materials, and display banners.
- Candidate Numbers:
- No. 1: Lee Jae-myung (DP)
- No. 2: Kim Moon-soo (PPP)
- No. 4: Lee Jun-seok (New Reform Party)
- Nos. 5–8: Minor party candidates and independents
(Note: No. 3 remains vacant as the Rebuilding Korea Party did not field a candidate)
Major Campaign Agendas:
- Lee Jae-myung is focusing on economic reforms and improving livelihoods, resonating with voters seeking relief from economic challenges.
- Kim Moon-soo aims to galvanize conservative voters, banking on national security concerns and promises of stability after the recent political turmoil.
The upcoming election, triggered by Yoon’s impeachment, represents a significant political shift in the country. The central contest between Lee and Kim is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with both sides ramping up efforts to sway undecided voters.