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2w ago

South Korea's Presidential Race Intensifies as Campaigns Target Key Voter Blocs

Lee Jae-myung leads in polls as candidates focus on AI-driven economic promises and regional outreach in the June 3 election.

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

  • The June 3 snap presidential election was triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment following his martial law attempt in December 2024.
  • Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung holds a commanding lead with approximately 50% support in recent polls, ahead of Kim Moon-soo (PPP) and Lee Jun-seok (New Reform Party).
  • Candidates launched their campaigns with economic pledges emphasizing AI investment, deregulation, and reshoring to address South Korea’s economic challenges.
  • Lee Jae-myung is targeting centrist and disillusioned conservative voters in southeastern regions, while Kim Moon-soo is consolidating support among traditional conservative bases.
  • The Democratic Party announced plans to report Kim Moon-soo for alleged illegal fundraising through YouTube’s Super Chat feature, intensifying legal and political tensions in the race.