2025 South Korean Presidential Election: Everything You Need to Know
2025 South Korean Presidential Election: Everything You Need to Know
The 2025 South Korean Presidential Election is scheduled for June 3, 2025, following the April 2025 impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol. This snap election—mandated by Article 68 of the South Korean Constitution to be held within 60 days of a permanent presidential vacancy—has become one of the most closely watched political events in East Asia. With major candidates rallying support and nationwide debates on the economy, security, and democratic reforms, this election will shape South Korea’s domestic and foreign policy trajectory for the next five years.
Background: From Martial Law to Snap Election
In early December 2024, President Yoon Suk Yeol controversially declared martial law during nationwide protests over high fuel prices and inflation. On December 14, 2024, the National Assembly impeached Yoon (204–96), and on April 4, 2025, the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment, officially removing him from office.[1] By April 8, Acting President Han Duck-soo announced the snap election date as June 3, 2025.[2] This marks the first early presidential election since democratization in 1987 and the second one triggered by impeachment (the first being the 2004 election after President Roh Moo-hyun’s resignation).
Electoral System and Timing
- Single-Round, First-Past-The-Post: South Korea uses a plurality voting system—whoever receives the most votes wins outright. There is no runoff.
- Term Length & Restrictions: Presidents serve a single five-year term with no possibility of re-election. The winner will assume office immediately after certification by the National Election Commission (NEC) without the usual two-month transition period.
- Key Dates:
- Candidate Registration Opens: April 4, 2025
- Primary Elections & Party Nominations: April 15 – May 27, 2025
- Early Voting: May 29–30, 2025
- Election Day: June 3, 2025 (Polls open 6 AM – 8 PM KST)
- Results Announcement: Projected by midnight, June 3, 2025
- Official NEC Website: National Election Commission of the Republic of Korea
Main Contenders and Party Platforms
Lee Jae-myung (Democratic Party of Korea)
Profile: Governor of Gyeonggi Province (2018–2021), 2022 Democratic nominee, Member of National Assembly since 2022. Lee led the Democratic Party’s nomination process, which combined 50% member votes and 50% public polls, officially winning on April 27, 2025. He previously served as Mayor of Seongnam (2010–2018).
Key Promises:
- Economic Equality & Job Growth: Expand social safety nets, increase minimum wage gradually, and invest in green industries to stimulate post-pandemic recovery.
- Sejong City Administrative Capital: Relocate the Office of the President and National Assembly to Sejong City to decentralize power from Seoul and boost regional development.
- U.S.–South Korea Alliance: Strengthen military cooperation under the Extended Deterrence framework, while pursuing balanced diplomacy with China and Japan.
- North Korea Policy: Advocate for reopening high-level talks, conditional humanitarian aid, and multilateral summits under the Six-Party Talks framework.
Official Campaign Site: leejaemyung2025.kr
Kim Moon-soo (People Power Party)
Profile: Former Governor of Gyeonggi Province (2006–2014), Minister of Employment and Labour (2024–2025), Member of National Assembly (1996–2006). After Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, Kim announced his candidacy on April 10, 2025, securing the People Power Party (PPP) nomination in late May.
Key Promises:
- Economic Revitalization: Cut corporate tax rates, reduce red tape for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and reform labor laws to incentivize foreign investment.
- Political Reform: Address public distrust after the martial law crisis by pledging to revise the impeachment process and strengthen checks and balances.
- National Security: Maintain a robust U.S. security umbrella, increase defense spending to 2 percent of GDP, and pursue trilateral security dialogues with Japan and the U.S.
- Social Welfare: Expand vouchers for student loans, increase elderly pensions, and maintain conservative fiscal discipline to avoid ballooning public debt.
Official Campaign Site: kimmoonsoo2025.kr
Third-Party & Independent Candidates
- Lee Jun-seok (Reform Party): Former PPP leader (2021–2022), now heading the Reform Party. Advocates generational change, digital transformation, and judicial reform. Read more.
- Kwon Yeong-guk (Democratic Labor Party): Labor activist turned party leader, focusing on workers’ rights, anti-discrimination laws, and income redistribution. kwon2025.dlp.kr.
- Hwang Kyo-ahn (Independent): Former Prime Minister (2015–2017), Acting President (2016–2017). Initially entered race but withdrew on June 1, 2025, endorsing Kim Moon-soo. Hwang’s Profile.
Key Campaign Issues and Voter Concerns
Economic Recovery & Income Inequality
With South Korea’s GDP growth forecast lowered to 0.8 percent for 2025 by the Bank of Korea, economic performance is at the forefront. Young voters (ages 18–34) prioritize job security, affordable housing, and fair distribution of digital economy benefits. Lee Jae-myung’s platform focuses on increasing youth job programs and revitalizing the gig economy, whereas Kim Moon-soo emphasizes deregulation to attract FDI and reduce unemployment.
Political Trust & Democratic Norms
The martial law declaration and Yoon’s subsequent impeachment prompted widespread protests. Both leading candidates pledge constitutional reforms:
- Lee Jae-myung: Amend the impeachment clause to prevent political retaliation, strengthen the Constitutional Court’s independence, and decentralize executive authority.
- Kim Moon-soo: Propose stricter criteria for impeachment, revise National Assembly powers to prevent legislative overreach, and increase transparency through e-voting pilot programs.
Security & North Korea Policy
North Korea’s frequent missile tests in 2024–2025 have intensified security concerns. Public opinion polls (late May 2025) show:
- 64% of respondents support the U.S.–ROK Combined Forces Command structure remaining intact.[3]
- 52% approve renewed inter-Korean dialog if Pyongyang suspends nuclear tests.
Lee advocates conditional humanitarian aid and reopening dialogue channels via joint U.S.–North Korea summits, while Kim pushes for tougher sanctions combined with reinforced trilateral cooperation (U.S.–Japan–ROK).
Social Welfare & Demographic Challenges
South Korea’s fertility rate remains the lowest globally (0.75 births per woman in 2024). Both parties promise:
- Childcare Subsidies: Increase monthly allowances for children under age 6.
- Elder Care Reform: Expand home-based senior services and bolster pensions for low-income seniors.
- Housing Affordability: Launch new public housing projects and tax incentives for first-time homebuyers.
Opinion Polls & Voter Sentiment (May 2025)
| Candidate | Party | Average Poll % | Trend (vs. April) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Jae-myung | Democratic Party | 44 ± 2 % | +1.5 % |
| Kim Moon-soo | People Power Party | 42 ± 2 % | −0.8 % |
| Lee Jun-seok | Reform Party | 6 ± 1 % | Stable |
| Kwon Yeong-guk | Democratic Labor | 3 ± 0.5 % | +0.2 % |
| Other/Undecided | — | 5 ± 1 % | — |
Source: Aggregated from Reuters – May 28, 2025 and Yonhap News Agency – May 28, 2025.
Election Day Logistics & Voter Turnout
South Korea typically experiences robust voter turnout (>75%). For this snap election:
- Overseas Voting: May 19–25, 2025 (223 polling stations in 118 countries). Estimated 258,000 registered abroad.[4]
- Early Voting: May 29–30, 2025. Turnout reached 34.74%, slightly below the 2022 figures.[5]
- Polling Hours: 6 AM – 8 PM KST on June 3. Polling stations enforce strict ID checks (National ID or passport).
Note: A minor controversy occurred on May 29 when an NEC contract employee was arrested in Seoul for alleged double voting; NEC officials issued apologies on May 30.[6]
Potential Outcomes & Implications
If Lee Jae-myung Wins
- Progressive Shift: Likely push for expanded welfare programs, increased corporate taxation on conglomerates (chaebol), and accelerated green energy investments.
- Sejong Relocation: High chance of initiating relocation of executive and legislative branches, facing strong opposition from Seoul metropolitan stakeholders.
- Diplomatic Balance: May pursue a diplomatic détente with North Korea via U.S.-backed frameworks, while maintaining strong ROK–U.S. military alliance (e.g., THAAD deployment discussions).
If Kim Moon-soo Wins
- Conservative Stability: Steady emphasis on market-driven recovery, maintaining low tax environment for businesses, and prioritizing national security.
- Impeachment Reform: Propose constitutional amendments to tighten impeachment clauses; potential tension with opposition parties over checks and balances.
- Alliance & Defense: Potential request for more U.S. rotational forces, closer intelligence sharing with Japan, and increased R&D spending on defense technology.
Wildcard Factors
- Swing Voters: Roughly 15 percent of voters remain undecided (May 2025). Their priorities—young professionals’ job prospects vs. older conservatives’ security concerns—will influence final margins.
- Turnout Impact: A surge in youth turnout (18–29 year-olds) could swing results toward Lee Jae-myung, while high rural turnout traditionally benefits conservative candidates.
- Regional Vote Split: Gyeonggi Province (pop. 14 million) remains a battleground; both candidates served as governors, making it a pivotal swing region.
Post-Election: What to Watch
Once results are certified (projected by midnight KST, June 3), the incoming administration will face immediate challenges:
- Economic Stimulus Package: Expect an early “first 100 days” economic plan targeting SMEs, green energy, and inflation relief.
- North Korea Developments: Rapid response to North Korean missile tests or diplomatic overtures—watch for trilateral summit invitations (U.S., China, ROK).
- Impeachment Fallout: Monitoring Constitutional Court reviews and potential legal reforms to prevent future crises.
- ASEAN & Quad Engagement: South Korea’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific, including potential Quad Plus dialogues on technology and security.
Stay updated via:
- Reuters: South Korea News
- Yonhap News Agency: June 4, 2025 Coverage
- Wikipedia: 2025 South Korean Presidential Election
Conclusion
The 2025 South Korean Presidential Election on June 3 is a watershed moment for the Republic of Korea. After the unprecedented impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, voters will decide whether to pivot back to progressive policies under Lee Jae-myung or reaffirm conservative governance with Kim Moon-soo. Key issues—economic recovery, democratic reforms, national security, and the future of the U.S.–ROK alliance—will define the next five years. For global observers, South Korea’s election signals how East Asia’s fourth-largest economy navigates geopolitical pressures, domestic divides, and demographic shifts. Bookmark this page for live updates, expert analyses, and post-election insights.