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Lee Jae-myung Holds Double-Digit Lead over Kim Moon-soo Ahead of Early Voting

Early ballots open May 29 after negotiations to unify conservative candidacies collapsed, solidifying a three-way contest.

Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party prepares to attend their last televised debate, hosted by the MBC TV network, in Seoul on May 27, 2025, ahead of the June 3 presidential election. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
A file photo of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (Yonhap)
Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung prepares to attend their last televised debate, hosted by the MBC TV network, in Seoul on May 27, 2025, ahead of the June 3 presidential election. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
This combined photo shows the presidential candidates of South Korea's major political parties (from L to R) Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party during their campaign rallies on May 26, 2025, and Lee Jun-seok of the minor conservative New Reform Party on May 24, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • The latest Realmeter survey shows Lee Jae-myung leading with 49.2% support compared to Kim Moon-soo’s 36.8% and Lee Jun-seok’s 10.3% within a 3.1-point margin of error.
  • Early voting for the June 3 presidential election will run nationwide from May 29 to May 30, with polling stations open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Talks to unify the People Power Party and New Reform Party candidacies fell through after Lee Jun-seok declined to withdraw, ensuring a three-way race.
  • Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo publicly backed Kim Moon-soo and said he will cast his ballot during early voting, highlighting fractures among conservative voters.
  • Lee Jae-myung plans focused rallies in eastern Seoul while Kim Moon-soo is campaigning in southeastern provinces to consolidate their respective bases.