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3mo ago

South Korea's Presidential Race Intensifies as Campaigns Target Key Regions

With three weeks until the June 3 election, Lee Jae-myung leads polls as candidates focus on economic reform and voter outreach in conservative strongholds.

New Reform Party presidential candidate Lee Jun-seok dines with university students at a student cafeteria at Yonsei University in Seoul as part of a campaign event on May 12, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Kim Moon-soo speaks after winning the final race to choose South Korea's conservative People Power Party's candidate for upcoming presidential election during a national convention of the party, in Goyang, South Korea, May 3, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo
Lee Jae-myung delivers his speech during a national convention of South Korea's Democratic Party to choose their candidate for upcoming presidential election, in Goyang, South Korea, April 27, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo
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Overview

  • Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung maintains a commanding lead with approximately 50% support, followed by Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party at 38% and Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party at 5.7%.
  • Candidates have launched regional campaigns in conservative southeastern areas, with Lee Jae-myung appealing to centrists and Kim Moon-soo consolidating his conservative base.
  • Economic recovery strategies dominate platforms, with Lee Jae-myung emphasizing AI investment and cultural exports, while Kim Moon-soo focuses on deregulation, tax cuts, and flexible labor policies.
  • Lee Jun-seok advocates for generational reforms, including pension restructuring and incentives for science and engineering talent, while distancing himself from potential alliances with Kim Moon-soo.
  • The election, prompted by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, underscores challenges in uniting a polarized nation and addressing economic and demographic headwinds.