Voting concludes ahead of South Korea's election, instigated by martial law declaration
South Korea's presidential race of 2025 is a seminal moment, with the nation still recovering from the political unrest triggered by the controversial suspension of civilian rule in December 2024 by Yoon Suk Yeol. Following his subsequent impeachment and removal from office, the country has been helmed by a series of acting presidents as it grapples with both external trade tensions and weak domestic demand.
Lee Jae-myung, a prominent liberal politician, has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the race. A Gallup survey revealed that 49% of respondents viewed him as the best candidate, with conservative ex-labour minister Kim Moon-soo trailing behind at 35%. Polling day is set for June 3, with early voting taking place on Thursday and Friday, boasting a healthy turnout of 34.7% of registered voters by the close of the process.
"I've never had to wait so long to vote," commented Park Seung-hee, a Seoul resident from the Jongno district, who endured a nearly hour-long wait. The National Election Commission recognized the long lines at polling stations, apologizing and pledging to increase staff numbers to manage crowds and reduce waiting times.
The martial law episode has cast a lasting shadow over the political landscape, with analysts emphasizing it as the primary issue shaping the presidential race. Kang Joo-hyun, a political science professor at Sookmyung Women's University, argued that the high turnout reflected the public's fervent desire to restore democracy in South Korea.
The successful candidate will be confronted with multiple challenges, including a deepening economic downturn, one of the world's lowest birth rates, and a surging cost of living. They will also need to navigate the escalating superpower conflict between the U.S., South Korea's traditional security ally, and China, its largest trading partner. However, analysts forewarn that the nation's political woes may persist, with Kang Won-taek of Seoul National University cautioning that South Korea could witness the recurrence of political turmoil and crises.
- Amidst the presidential race in South Korea's 2025 election, the United States' ongoing superpower conflict with China, being South Korea's largest trading partner, will pose a significant challenge for the upcoming president.
- The crucial health of South Korea's economy is a matter of concern, intensified by one of the world's lowest birth rates and a surging cost of living, issues that the newly elected president will need to address.
- The lasting impact of the martial law episode has influenced the political landscape, with the public's strong desire for justice and a restoration of democracy, as reflected by the high voter turnout during the recent presidential elections.
