South Korea is set to hold a snap presidential election within 60 days following the Constitutional Court's unanimous decision to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office. The impeachment stems from Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024, which was swiftly rejected by parliament.
Leading the race is Lee Jae-myung, head of the main opposition Democratic Party. A veteran politician and narrow runner-up in the 2022 election, Lee enjoys strong liberal support and double-digit leads in recent polls. Despite surviving a stabbing attack in 2024, Lee faces ongoing trials related to bribery and a major real estate scandal.
Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), is a prominent conservative candidate. A former prosecutor, Han opposed Yoon’s martial law move, drawing criticism from Yoon loyalists. His moderate stance appeals to centrist voters.
Other potential conservative contenders include Kim Moon-soo, the labor minister polling well but not yet committed to running, and Oh Se-hoon, the four-term Seoul mayor known for advocating nuclear armament and launching his pro-growth “KOGA” initiative. Daegu mayor and five-term lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo, who lost the 2017 election, is also preparing a run.
From the opposition, Kim Dong-yeon, governor of Gyeonggi Province, is seen as another strong possibility. Emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Korea alliance, Kim believes a Democratic candidate should lead the country forward.
As the nation prepares for a critical election, political uncertainty looms. With key figures from both major parties vying for power, South Korea faces a defining moment in its democratic history. The upcoming vote will not only determine leadership but also the direction of policy amid domestic and geopolitical tensions.