Voters in South Korea are heading to the polls on June 3 to elect a new president after the impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol. Yoon was removed from office following a controversial attempt to impose martial law last December, which led to widespread protests and political turmoil. This snap election is crucial not just for South Korea’s democracy, but also for its relationships with China, the United States, and North Korea.
The election comes at a time when the country is facing economic challenges and ongoing tariff negotiations with the U.S., which has imposed a 25 percent tax on key South Korean exports like steel, aluminum, and automobiles. The new president will serve a five-year term and will need to address the fallout from Yoon’s brief martial law, which lasted only six hours but caused significant unrest.
There are six candidates in the race, but the main contenders are Lee Jae-myung from the opposition Democratic Party of Korea and Kim Moon-soo from the ruling People Power Party. Recent polls show Lee, a former human rights lawyer, leading with 49 percent of support compared to Kim’s 36 percent. Lee previously lost to Yoon in 2022 but has gained momentum due to the political chaos surrounding Yoon’s administration.
Key issues in the election include the aftermath of Yoon’s martial law attempt. Lee has pledged to hold accountable those involved in the failed decree and to implement stricter controls on future martial law declarations. He has also proposed constitutional changes that would allow for a four-year, two-term presidency, which would enable voters to assess a president’s performance midway through their term. Kim has shown some support for this idea but suggests a three-year term instead.
The election also has implications for foreign policy, especially regarding North Korea. Lee aims to ease tensions with the North and restore communication channels, while Kim supports a more aggressive stance, advocating for military preparedness and a stronger alliance with the U.S.
As the election day approaches, early voting has seen a significant turnout. With approximately 44.4 million eligible voters in a country of 52 million, the stakes are high. Polling stations will open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on election day. The candidate with the most votes will win, even if they do not secure an outright majority.
The outcome of this election could reshape South Korea’s political landscape and influence its future direction, both domestically and internationally.