Sun Jun 01 05:17:27 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

South Korea is holding a snap presidential election on June 3, 2025, triggered by the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol after his controversial declaration of martial law. Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is leading in the polls against conservative Kim Moon-soo. Lee is emphasizing regional development outside of Seoul, while Kim is criticizing Lee’s heightened security measures as a sign of dictatorial tendencies. Early voting turnout has been high.

**News Article:**

**South Korea Heads to Polls After Impeachment Scandal, Lee Jae-myung Leads**

**SEOUL – June 1, 2025** – South Korea is bracing for a pivotal snap presidential election on June 3rd, following months of political upheaval that culminated in the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon’s downfall stemmed from his widely criticized declaration of martial law in December 2024, a move that triggered widespread protests and ultimately led to his ousting.

The frontrunner in the race is liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung, who enjoys a significant lead in the polls. A recent Gallup survey showed 49% of respondents favoring Lee, while his main rival, Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), lagged behind with 35%.

Lee has focused his campaign on addressing regional disparities and promoting development outside of the Seoul metropolitan area. Speaking at a rally in his hometown of Andong, Lee emphasized the need for incentives to support non-Seoul regions, stating, “We should not simply seek a regional equal development strategy but rather provide more incentives for non-Seoul regions to support them more.” He has been campaigning with heightened security measures following a stabbing incident in January 2024.

Kim Moon-soo, meanwhile, has criticized Lee’s increased security, suggesting it is a sign of authoritarian tendencies. Speaking at a rally in Suwon, Kim remarked, “Look, I’m not wearing a bullet proof vest, right? But Lee is now even using bulletproof shields, feeling the vest isn’t enough. With such bulletproof measures, Lee is poised to impose his own dictatorship and we must stop it.”

According to the National Election Commission, nearly 35% of voters have already cast their ballots through early voting, indicating a high level of engagement in this crucial election. The outcome of the election will determine the future direction of South Korea following a period of intense political instability.

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