On Sunday, South Korea’s Democratic Party selected former leader Lee Jae-myung as its candidate for the upcoming presidential election, scheduled for 3 June. The party, the main opposition group, announced that Lee won nearly 90% of the vote, defeating two other contenders.
Lee has previously served as governor of Gyeonggi Province, mayor of Seongnam, and leader of the Democratic Party. Despite losing the 2022 presidential race to Yoon Suk Yeol by the narrowest margin in South Korean history, he remains a prominent political figure.
A resurgence after Yoon’s impeachment
Lee’s political career revived following the impeachment of President Yoon last year. Yoon had declared martial law, which lasted less than a day, before being removed from office. Lee is seen as more liberal than the outgoing administration, with a stronger focus on economic equality and a more measured approach towards North Korea.
He led the impeachment effort in the opposition-controlled parliament after the 3 December martial law declaration. The Constitutional Court formally dismissed Yoon in early April, triggering the snap election. The new president will serve a full five-year term.
Although Lee remains popular among liberal voters, some critics warn that his populist style could deepen existing political divisions.
Polling and upcoming election
A recent Gallup Korea poll, published on Friday, showed that 38% of respondents prefer Lee as the next president. Other candidates received much lower levels of support. The People Power Party, South Korea’s main conservative party, will select its candidate next weekend. Four individuals are competing for the nomination and have a combined support rate of 23% according to the same poll.
