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Lee Jae-myung Expands Coalition as Kim Moon-soo Struggles to Unite Conservatives

With under two weeks until South Korea's presidential election, Lee maintains a polling lead while Kim faces challenges consolidating opposition support.

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Lee Jun-seok (R), the presidential candidate of the minor conservative New Reform Party, talks with Kim Yong-tae, leader of the conservative People Power Party's (PPP) emergency leadership committee, during the Asian Leadership Conference, organized by the Chosun Ilbo daily, at a Seoul hotel on May 21, 2025, in this photo provided by Chosun. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Kim Moon-soo (L), the presidential candidate of the conservative People Power Party, inspects a "jjokbang" neighborhood in Yeongdeungpo Ward on May 20, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung leads in polls with around 50% support, ahead of People Power Party's Kim Moon-soo at 36%, according to recent surveys.
  • Lee has broadened his coalition by gaining endorsements from conservative defectors, including prominent figures from the New Reform Party and former supporters of President Park Geun-hye.
  • Kim Moon-soo's efforts to merge candidacies with New Reform Party's Lee Jun-seok have been rejected, leaving opposition votes fragmented as ballot printing deadlines approach.
  • Both candidates are focusing their campaigns on the Greater Seoul area, with Lee targeting Gyeonggi Province and Kim concentrating on Seoul to court centrist voters.
  • Overseas voting has commenced, with more than 258,000 South Koreans eligible to cast their ballots at polling stations in 118 countries.