Explanator
With the country in crisis after the dismissal of Yoon Suk-Youol, South Korea goes to votes on Tuesday. Why are there early elections? Who are the candidates? Answers to these and other questions to understand what is at stake in presidential elections, in a moment of internal political uncertainty and international tension.
South Korea goes to the polls this Tuesday, June 3, to elect a new president, following the dismissal of Yoon Suk-Youol in April. The country reaches this election in a climate of political instability, with profoundly divided society, the fragile economy and international relations under strong pressure.
The next head of state will have the difficult task of restoring internal confidence and managing the political and economic consequences left by the failed attempt by Yoon Suk -Yeol to impose martial law – an episode that plunged the country into an institutional crisis and
The early election happens at a time when South Korea faces a trade offensive dThe US PresidentDonald Trump – and this will shape long -term challenges, such as The threat of North Korea and Unstable relationship of Seoul with China.
Here are the main points to understand what is at stake in the presidential elections of this country of about 52 million inhabitantswho will choose who will lead him in the next five years.
Why will South Korea have early elections?
At dawn from December 3 to 4, 2024Yoon Suk-Yeol tried to impose martial law by sending the army to block the parliament, then controlled by the opposition. The coup failed thanks to the rapid mobilization of deputies, who prevented the suspension of democratic institutions.
Who are the candidates?
In this election, there are six candidates – all men, for First time in 18 years, there is no woman to compete.
- Lee Jae-myung – Democratic Party (left opposition)
- Kim Moon -Soo – Party of Popular Power (conservative)
- Lee Jun-SEOK, from the new reform party
- Kwon Young-Guk of the Democratic Labor Party
- Hwang Kyo-ahn – independente
- Song Jinho – Independent
Two candidates are considered favorite: Lee Jae-Myung Left Leader Leader and the conservador Kim Moon-soo.
Lee Jae-myung61, is a former manufacturing worker who has become human rights lawyer. It defends measures such as universal basic performance and direct performance transfers and is sometimes dubbed “Bernie Sanders from South Korea”. Faces various lawsuits.
Kim.73, is an old activist pro-democracy and unionist in the 80s, which fought against authoritarian military regimes in South Korea.It stained from the left after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Today it represents the most traditional and conservative wing.
What are the big questions in these elections?
These elections go far beyond choosing a new president. Political stability, the recovery of public confidence and the geopolitical repositioning of the country are at stake.
1 – The consequences of martial law
The coup attempt divided society: some supported Yoon’s decision as a measure of “order,” while many others protested on the streets against the threat to democracy. This episode has weakened the institutions and left deep marks in society.
Internal instability coincided with: as 25% tariffs on South Korean products They shook exports and affected Asia’s fourth largest economy.
3 – Delicate external relations
The new president will have to balance relations with two giants:
A Chinayour largest commercial partner
Os USAthe main military and political ally against North Korea
Although 2025 was relatively calm, 2024 was marked by Kim Jong-un’s aggressive rhetoric and constant provocations with drones and
The birth rate of South Korea is The lowest in the world (0.75 children per woman). This reality threatens the sustainability of the pension system and the workforce.
