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3mo ago

South Korea's Presidential Race Tightens as Candidates Prepare for Pivotal Debate

Lee Jae-myung maintains a lead, but Kim Moon-soo narrows the gap while Lee Jun-seok firmly rejects merger overtures.

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This file photo, released by North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency, shows Pyongyang's new navy destroyer unveiled at a launching ceremony held at a shipyard in the North's western port city of Nampho on April 25, 2025. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung (R) shakes hands with former President Moon Jae-in during a memorial service marking the 16th anniversary of the death of former President Roh Moo-hyun in the rural village of Bongha in Gimhae, southeastern South Korea, on May 23, 2025, in this photo provided by Lee's party. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung (R) holds a luncheon meeting with former President Moon Jae-in (L) and Kwon Yang-sook, former President Roh Moo-hyun's widow, in the rural village of Bongha in Gimhae, southeastern South Korea, on May 23, 2025, in this photo provided by Lee's party. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • A Gallup Korea poll shows Lee Jae-myung leading with 45% support, followed by Kim Moon-soo at 36% and Lee Jun-seok at 10%, marking a slight narrowing of the gap with 11 days until the election.
  • Kim Moon-soo has unveiled sweeping political reforms, including reducing lawmakers by 10%, revising presidential term limits, and appointing an opposition-recommended inspector to investigate presidential misconduct.
  • Lee Jae-myung pledges to abolish the statute of limitations for state violence crimes, emphasizing accountability for historic injustices and positioning himself as a unifier across ideological divides.
  • Lee Jun-seok, reaching double-digit support for the first time, has categorically ruled out merging his candidacy with Kim Moon-soo despite continued appeals from the People Power Party.
  • The second televised debate, focusing on social cohesion and reform, is set to feature all four candidates, with heightened expectations for direct confrontations on policy and unity.