Similar survey reveals 42% preference for Lee Jae-myung, while Han Duck-soo garners 13% support
Rewritten Article:
Former Democratic Party bigwig Lee Jae-myung throws a victory salute at an impeachment rally for ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol in downtown Seoul on March 1.
Relevant Reads
- The horse race between rival parties as they inch towards election day with Lee Jae-myung still leading the pack as the next president.
- Divisive poll results: Yoon's and party's backing numbers casting doubt on their credibility.
- Nearly 80% of respondents favor impeaching the ex-President.
Translated from JoongAng Ilbo utilizing AI and edited by our website team.
Background Information:
The Present Political Scene in South Korea
Anticipation mounts for South Korea's impending snap presidential election, scheduled for June 3, 2025. This sudden development follows the extraordinary events surrounding Yoon Suk Yeol, the former president, who imposed martial law on December 3, 2024, only to be impeached by the National Assembly two weeks later. The Constitutional Court confirmed the National Assembly's decision on April 4, 2025, promptly leading to Yoon's ousting from office[3].
Polling Data: Lee Jae-myung and Other Contenders
Recent polling shows Lee Jae-myung, the ex-Democratic Party of Korea chairman, stealing the show. A May 2025 survey placed his support at 42%, while Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo lagged behind with 13%[1][2]. Notable competitors include Han Dong-hoon and Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP), who gained 9% and 6% support, respectively[1][2].
Earlier in April 2025, Lee Jae-myung was regarded as the most fitting candidate by roughly 34% of respondents. Another poll a few days prior showed him leading with 48.5% endorsement. Kim Moon-soo from the PPP followed significantly, managing about 9% to 13.4% support across various surveys[3][4].
Insights
Lee Jae-myung's persistent lead in polls suggests robust backing within the Democratic Party and from liberals. Yet, his position may become slightly weaker due to ongoing legal issues, which have led to a slight dip in his support levels[4].
The removal of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol has left behind a power vacuum. Although he won't be participating in the upcoming election due to his impeachment, his actions have contributed to significant political instability, making way for the snap election to restore political stability.
Public Opinion by Age Group
Polls conducted in February and April 2025 showed strong support for Lee Jae-myung among respondents in their 40s. Despite this, respondents in their 60s tended to favor Kim Moon-soo[5].
With Lee Jae-myung looking like the clear front-runner for the presidential election, political and legal factors could sway his position in the weeks leading to the election on June 3.
- The general news is abuzz with the upcoming snap presidential election in South Korea on June 3, 2025, with Lee Jae-myung, the former Democratic Party of Korea chairman, maintaining a significant lead in polls.
- Amidst this political landscape, the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was later confirmed by the Constitutional Court, has left a power vacuum and contributed to political instability.
- A rally in favor of Yoon's impeachment, attended by prominent figures like Lee Jae-myung, mirrors the polarized state of South Korea's politics, as nearly 80% of respondents favor the impeachment.
- The credibility of both Yoon and his party is under question, given the divisive poll results, as support for them remains low in the face of a series of scandals and controversial policies-and-legislation.
- While Lee Jae-myung enjoys strong backing within the Democratic Party and from liberals, his position might slightly weaken due to ongoing legal issues, as shown by a slight dip in his support levels in recent polls.
