information on Elections
General Information
On June 3, 2025, South Korea held an early presidential election following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol under temporary martial law. The election saw high voter turnout and significant political polarization.
Election Results:
Lee Jae-myung (Democratic Party): 49.42%
Kim Moon-soo (People's Party): 41.15%
Lee Jun-seok (Independent): 7.7%
Other candidates: <2%
Voter turnout reached 77.8%, the highest since 1997.
Electoral System:
The President of South Korea is directly elected by the people for a single five-year term, with no re-election allowed. The election is conducted using a single-round, first-past-the-post system. In case of early departure of a president, a new election must be held within 60 days.
Main Candidates:
Lee Jae-myung: A former factory worker and human rights lawyer who led the Democratic Party. He promised economic reforms, restoration of democratic stability, and a renewed dialogue with North Korea.
Kim Moon-soo: The conservative candidate from the People’s Party emphasized strong national defense and preserving traditional values. He accused Lee of consolidating too much power.
Lee Jun-seok: The youngest candidate, focused on youth reforms and technology, gaining most of his support from younger voters.
Key Points:
Political Crisis: The impeachment of President Yoon sparked political unrest, with protests and debates about the country’s future direction.
Economic Challenges: The new administration faces a slowing economy and a need for labor market reforms.
Foreign Relations: Lee pledged to strengthen relations with the US and Japan while seeking renewed dialogue with North Korea.
Related Articles:
Lee Jae-myung elected as South Korea’s President
New president promises dialogue with North Korea and stronger ties with US and Japan
South Korea elects liberal president after months of turmoil
On June 3, 2025, South Korea held an early presidential election following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol under temporary martial law. The election saw high voter turnout and significant political polarization.
Election Results:
Lee Jae-myung (Democratic Party): 49.42%
Kim Moon-soo (People's Party): 41.15%
Lee Jun-seok (Independent): 7.7%
Other candidates: <2%
Voter turnout reached 77.8%, the highest since 1997.
Electoral System:
The President of South Korea is directly elected by the people for a single five-year term, with no re-election allowed. The election is conducted using a single-round, first-past-the-post system. In case of early departure of a president, a new election must be held within 60 days.
Main Candidates:
Lee Jae-myung: A former factory worker and human rights lawyer who led the Democratic Party. He promised economic reforms, restoration of democratic stability, and a renewed dialogue with North Korea.
Kim Moon-soo: The conservative candidate from the People’s Party emphasized strong national defense and preserving traditional values. He accused Lee of consolidating too much power.
Lee Jun-seok: The youngest candidate, focused on youth reforms and technology, gaining most of his support from younger voters.
Key Points:
Political Crisis: The impeachment of President Yoon sparked political unrest, with protests and debates about the country’s future direction.
Economic Challenges: The new administration faces a slowing economy and a need for labor market reforms.
Foreign Relations: Lee pledged to strengthen relations with the US and Japan while seeking renewed dialogue with North Korea.
Related Articles:
Lee Jae-myung elected as South Korea’s President
New president promises dialogue with North Korea and stronger ties with US and Japan
South Korea elects liberal president after months of turmoil
