South Korean Presidential Election Intends to Reestablish Democratic Reputation

South Korea Chooses Its Next Leader Tomorrow

Seoul, South Korea - After weeks of political turmoil, South Koreans are about to decide their new leader in the hope of restoring stability to a divided nation. This Tuesday, citizens will cast their votes for one of five presidential candidates in a close race led by the opposition Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung.

With ballots cast from 6am to 8pm (21:00 to 11:00 GMT), this election will involve an estimated 44.39 million eligible voters and may see Lee Jae-myung or opponent Kim Moon-soo from the governing People Power Party to replace the expelled former President, Yoon Suk-yeol. Yoon faced charges of leading an insurrection and abusing power due to his failed imposition of martial law on December 3, which could lead to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment or even the death sentence if convicted.

Higher-than-ever voter participation is expected due to the ongoing political crisis resulting from the brief military rule, which has entirely polarized the country along political lines. Supporters and opponents of Yoon still resonate, making this election a critical moment for South Korean democracy. As of May 28, Gallup Korea's latest poll places Lee's support at 49 percent, compared to People Power Party candidate Kim's 36 percent, making Lee the favorite to win.

Early voting, which ended on Friday, had a record-breaking voter turnout of 34.74 percent, and overseas voting from 118 countries reached an all-time high of 79.5 percent.

Lee Jae-myung: Second Chance at the Top Office

After his narrow loss to Yoon Suk-yeol in the 2022 presidential election, Lee now has another shot at the presidency to redeem his political reputation. Despite allegations of election law violations and brushing off bribery charges, Lee survived a stabbing attack during a news conference in Busan last year. The courts have agreed to postpone further hearings of his ongoing trials until after the election.

On the campaign trail, Lee opted for security measures such as bulletproof glass, snipers, and counterterrorism units due to perceived threats. Conservative lawmakers who once opposed him have publicly supported his campaign, recognizing Lee's potential to bring stability to the political landscape.

Future Leader Faces a Heavy Burden

The events leading up to the imposition of martial law and Yoon Suk-yeol's removal from office have left a heavy imprint on South Korea's democracy. Lee will have a challenging role ahead in addressing youth unemployment, social inequality, and climate change while mending the country's political divide and forging stronger relationships with neighboring countries.

Lee's agenda focuses on business-friendly policies, investing in research and development, and artificial intelligence without emphasizing divisive social issues. Lee's stance has shifted from promoting left-wing ideas, such as a universal basic income, to catapulting himself as an appealing candidate to moderate and conservative voters.

The new president's commitment to justice, tightening controls on future presidents' ability to implement similar actions, and potential constitutional amendments to allow presidents to serve two four-year terms will be key aspects of the new leadership. Meanwhile, Kim has proposed policies aligning with these initiatives to distance himself from Yoon and gain support from voters.

A New Direction for South Korea

The forthcoming election comes as United States President Donald Trump has proposed tariffs on key South Korean exports such as steel, semiconductors, and automobiles. Both candidates have voiced their plans to address these tariffs, with Lee focusing on stimulating demand and growth while Kim emphasizing the importance of direct dialogue with Trump to ease these tensions.

Beyond trade relations, South Korea's next president must deal with rising tensions with North Korea, improving relations with neighboring countries, and addressing the climate crisis head-on to secure a brighter future for South Korea. The results of this election will determine the nation's trajectory for years to come.

Keimyung University Professor Emeritus Lim Woon-taek elaborates on the significant impact the new president will have on the nation, saying: "The future of our country will rely on whether the next president will tackle pressing issues like unemployment, inequality, and the climate crisis or follow the same path as the previous administration and ignore these crucial matters."

The election results are expected to emerge late on Tuesday or in the early hours of Wednesday morning. As the frontrunner, Lee's victory could be apparent as early as Tuesday night. However, enhanced surveillance at polling stations this year due to concerns raised about counting errors may slow down the announcement of the country's next president.

The breaking news of South Korea's election involves human rights and policy-and-legislation concerns, as the new leader will have a challenging role in addressing topics like youth unemployment, social inequality, and climate change.
Business-related matters are also at the forefront, with both presidential candidates addressing US tariffs on key South Korean exports like steel, semiconductors, and automobiles.
In the realm of general-news, the election results will have significant implications for war and conflicts, as the new president must deal with rising tensions with North Korea and improve relations with neighboring countries.
Crime-and-justice issues were highlighted during the campaign, with Lee Jae-myung, the frontrunner, having survived a stabbing attack during a news conference last year and his ongoing trials being postponed until after the election.
Terrorism and security were topics of concern during the campaign, as Lee opted for security measures such as bulletproof glass, snipers, and counterterrorism units due to perceived threats.
Migration was another focus, as the election saw record-breaking overseas voting from 118 countries and a high voter turnout for early voting.
The election also touched upon accident-related matters, with concerns raised about counting errors and the possibility of slowing down the announcement of the country's next president due to enhanced surveillance at polling stations.