Presidential nominees intensify last-minute campaigns as early voting commences nationwide
South Korea's Democratic Party presidential candidate, Lee Jae-myung, kicked off his campaign in Seoul on May 29, focusing on key issues such as economic growth, constitutional reforms, labor policies, foreign policy, and administrative reforms.
Lee, a front-runner in the upcoming 2025 presidential election, participated in early voting at a community center in western Seoul, accompanied by young adults. Meanwhile, his conservative counterpart, Kim Moon-soo from the People Power Party, cast his vote in Incheon with his daughter and campaigned in Gunpo, Gyeonggi. The minor Reform Party candidate, Lee Jun-seok, also joined the early voting process in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi.
Lee's platform aims to reduce economic inequality and stimulate growth, while focusing on economic revitalization and industrial competitiveness. To tackle concerns over presidential powers, he proposes constitutional changes that include a two-term presidency, a run-off election system, and parliamentary nomination of the prime minister. He also intends to improve work-life balance and address demographic challenges by shortening the work week and raising the retirement age.
In terms of foreign policy, Lee emphasizes the importance of diplomacy among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, and views U.S. military presence as crucial for national security. He has also highlighted the benefits of dialogue with North Korea. administrative reforms could see the relocation of the Office of the President and National Assembly to Sejong City.
Lee has strategically positioned himself as a pragmatic leader, using a "right-clicking" approach to appeal to a broader electorate. However, this strategy has sparked questions about his ability to balance moderation with significant institutional control.
As early voting begins and the election approaches, all presidential candidates are vying for support, making the upcoming vote a significant event in South Korea's political landscape.
- Various South Koreans, including Lee Jae-myung's supporters, express their opinions about the presidential hopeful's promises for economic growth and constitutional reforms, focusing on his plans for reducing economic inequality and stimulating growth.
- The general-news media cover debates on the finance sector, as Lee Jae-myung's plans for economic revitalization and industrial competitiveness draw attention in the commercial and industrial segments of South Korean society.
- Politicians and analysts discuss the political implications of technological advancements on South Korea's economy, pondering the effects of AI, automation, and digitalization on business operations and employment opportunities.
- Concern over North Korea's nuclear ambitions and regional tensions appear frequently in political discussions, particularly surrounding Lee Jae-myung's diplomacy with North Korea, while its impact on public opinion and foreign policy debates within South Korean society remains significant.
- Baseball fans participate in political discourse about how the sports industry can be utilized for economic development, citing successful examples from other countries and offering their opinions on Lee Jae-myung's proposals to boost South Korea's sports infrastructure and promote a culture of healthy living.
