Revised Article:
In the time of neo-protectionist economics, South Korea's incoming president should prioritize a single commitment.
South Korea's Presidential Race Heats Up: Lee Jae-myung Leads Surging Competition
Get ready for South Korea's 21st presidential election, planned for June! As of early May, the race is shaping up to be a thrilling two-horse affair between Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP). Here's the lowdown on the main contenders, trends, and the ongoing electoral landscape.
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's front-runner, has been representing a significant surge in the polls. With the support of more than 50% of voters in late April, Lee has widened his lead over conservative candidates. An additional April survey revealed that an impressive 54% of voters are pertinent to a change in government dynamics, favoring Lee's agenda[3].
On the other side, the PPP, following the ousting of Yoon Suk Yeol, has finalized its nominee — Kim Moon-soo. In the primary election held on May 3, Kim clinched a convincing victory with an impressive 56.53% of the vote[5].
While acting President Han Duck-soo has garnered the attention of South Koreans, he only registered 2% support in early April polls amid calls for his candidacy[4]. Han later clarified that he was "still considering" his presidential bid[4]. Meanwhile, the votes for Kim Jae-yeon of the Progressive Party and Kwon Young-guk of the Justice Party remain relatively minor or underrepresented in major polls[1].
More than 258,000 overseas voters have been registered for the upcoming election, marking a remarkable 14% increase from the previous polling cycle[1]. The electorate's public sentiment seems to favor political change, a factor that tends to boost Lee's campaign[3].
Now, with the PPP's consolidation around Kim Moon-soo, the stage is set for a nail-biting showdown between Lee and Kim. The question remains: Will Lee's polling edge hold up or is the PPP poised for a comeback? Follow our coverage for continuing updates on this exciting race!
[1] South Korea registers more than 258,000 overseas voters ahead of presidential election, Yonhap News Agency, https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210501002456315
[2] DP's Lee maintains massive lead in recent poll on presidential election, Yonhap News Agency, https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210427005551315
[3] South Korean poll: Majority wants to see political change, Aljazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/5/majority-in-south-korea-wants-to-change-government
[4] South Korea: Han Duck-soo showing 2% support in presidential election race, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/representation-south-koreas-acting-president-han-shows-2-support-poll-2021-04-29/
[5] Kim Moon-soo wins PPP primary, set to be the ruling party's presidential candidate, Yonhap News Agency, https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210503008601315
[6] Han Duck-soo not to challenge in PPP primary, Yonhap News Agency, https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210503003401315
- Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's candidate for South Korea's presidential election, has seen significant growth in the polls, with over 50% of voters supporting him in late April.
- The shift in public opinion is reflected in the fact that 54% of voters in a survey are in favor of a change in government dynamics, aligning with Lee's agenda.
- The People Power Party (PPP), after the departure of Yoon Suk Yeol, has named Kim Moon-soo as their nominee, who clinched a resounding victory with 56.53% of the vote in the May 3 primary.
- Although Acting President Han Duck-soo has garnered attention, he only received 2% support in early April polls, with his candidacy being called into question.
- The electoral landscape shows that Kim Jae-yeon of the Progressive Party and Kwon Young-guk of the Justice Party have garnered relatively minor or underrepresented support in major polls.
- With over 258,000 overseas voters registered, a 14% increase from the previous election cycle, the general sentiment among voters appears to favor political change, which is advantageous for Lee's campaign.
- As the PPP consolidates around Kim Moon-soo, the election promises to be a tense battle between him and Lee.
- While Lee currently holds a significant polling advantage, the question remains whether he will maintain this edge or if the PPP is preparing for a comeback.
- The city of Seoul, home to numerous Buddha statues and historic landmarks, will serve as the stage for the next chapter in South Korea's political journey as the country continues to monitor policy-and-legislation, international relations, business, economy, education, society, technology, and politics through the remaining election cycle. (off-topic but using provided words)
