South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party has selected former leader Lee Jae-myung as its presidential candidate for the snap election scheduled for June 3, 2025, following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The decision, announced on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during a party convention in Goyang, saw Lee win nearly 90% of the primary vote, solidifying his position as the frontrunner, according to AP News and Reuters. Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 election, pledged to address economic inequality and foster national unity in a country polarized by recent political turmoil.
Lee’s candidacy comes after Yoon’s removal on April 4, 2025, by the Constitutional Court, which upheld his impeachment over a controversial martial law declaration in December 2024. Lee, 61, stepped down as Democratic Party chairman in early April to focus on his campaign, vowing to revive the economy through large-scale investments in technology and talent development. His platform includes legislation to curb shareholder abuses and boost the stock market, aiming to eliminate the “Korea Discount” that undervalues South Korean firms, as reported by Reuters. Lee’s strong polling—34% support in a Gallup poll on April 4—positions him ahead of conservative contenders like former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, who trails at 9%.
Despite his popularity, Lee faces legal challenges, including trials for alleged bribery and a $1 billion property development scandal from his time as Seongnam mayor. A Seoul High Court overturned an election law violation conviction in March 2025, clearing a potential barrier to his candidacy, though prosecutors have appealed to the Supreme Court, per Reuters. Lee has dismissed these cases as politically motivated, a claim echoed by his party. The Democratic Party’s landslide parliamentary win in 2024 under Lee’s leadership bolsters his credentials, but critics warn his populist policies could strain ties with allies like the United States and Japan, according to Al Jazeera.
The conservative People Power Party, still reeling from Yoon’s ouster, has a crowded field of candidates, including Kim Moon-soo, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, reflecting internal divisions. The election will shape South Korea’s response to global trade tensions, particularly U.S. tariffs, and its role in regional security. Lee’s campaign emphasizes pragmatic diplomacy and economic revitalization, drawing on his experience as Gyeonggi Province governor. As the race heats up, South Korea braces for a pivotal vote that could redefine its political and economic trajectory.