From Crisis to Choice: South Korea’s Presidential Election

After President Yoon’s impeachment, South Koreans must choose: Lee Jae-myung’s vision of stronger healthcare and rural tech or Kim Moon-soo’s focus on order, security, and tradition.

On 3 June 2025, South Koreans will vote in a snap presidential election amid one of the country’s most turbulent political periods. This follows the impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law last December in a move widely deemed unconstitutional. His ouster by the Constitutional Court in April triggered a mandatory election within 60 days, giving citizens a chance to reset the nation’s course democratically.

President Yoon’s downfall followed months of political deadlock, economic anxiety, and rising unrest. Accused of overreach and using emergency powers to silence dissent, his actions sparked public alarm and criticism across the political spectrum, including from his own party.

Civil society groups, students, and rights advocates staged mass protests in Seoul and other cities, demanding a return to democratic norms and constitutional integrity.

The Constitutional Court’s unanimous ruling to uphold his impeachment underscored the gravity of the crisis and reaffirmed the checks and balances of South Korea’s democratic system. As the nation prepares to elect its next leader, the shadow of this crisis looms large over the campaign trail and public discourse.

The Candidates: Competing Visions for the Future

The two leading contenders offer sharply different visions for South Korea’s future. Representing the Democratic Party is Lee Jae-myung, a former governor who narrowly lost the 2022 election. His platform includes major investment in AI, a 4.5-day workweek, and constitutional reforms to curb executive overreach. Lee presents himself as a leader who can restore democratic norms and guide the country through economic uncertainty. His campaign also highlights the need for stronger public healthcare and better rural digital infrastructure.

Opposing him is Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party, a former labour minister, and right-wing veteran. He pledges to boost growth through deregulation, uphold traditional family values, and strengthen national security. His proposals include bringing back U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to deter North Korea. His platform, focused on order, security, and national pride, appeals to older, risk-averse voters.

Economic Anxiety and Strategic Dilemmas

The election unfolds amid global economic instability and domestic strain. New U.S. tariffs on South Korean exports have renewed concerns over trade reliance and supply chain risks. The vital semiconductor industry faces pressure as U.S.-China tensions rise.

Voters face stagnating wages, youth unemployment, rising debt, and living costs. Both Lee and Kim pledge to tackle these issues but with contrasting strategies. Lee backs state-led economic planning, while Kim favours market liberalisation, tax cuts, and foreign investment. Both propose housing reforms—Lee pushing for public housing, Kim favouring private sector solutions.

Foreign policy also figures prominently in the campaign. Lee has called for a balanced diplomatic strategy, seeking to maintain strong ties with the United States while avoiding unnecessary antagonism with China and North Korea. He supports ongoing dialogue with North Korea and a reduction of tensions on the Korean Peninsula through phased demilitarisation and cultural exchanges.

In contrast, Kim has advocated a more hawkish stance, urging increased defence spending, closer intelligence cooperation with Japan, and a firmer alignment with the US.

Social Challenges and Generational Demands

South Korea faces a demographic crisis marked by declining birth rates and an ageing population. Both Lee and Kim propose increased support for young families, including expanded childcare, tax breaks, and housing subsidies for newlyweds.

Younger voters, alienated by traditional politics, demand reforms on inequality, housing, and workplace culture. Lee’s support for a shorter workweek, basic income pilots, and mental health services appeals to them. Meanwhile, Kim’s focus on national strength, economic discipline, and respect for authority attracts older voters and cautious business groups. Issues like LGBTQ rights, education, and labour protections have emerged, but both candidates remain cautious.

A Democracy Tested

South Korea has witnessed the impeachment of two presidents in less than a decade, which underscores both the volatility and resilience of its democratic system. The upcoming election tests public faith in democracy. Protests, disillusionment, and media polarisation have fostered a climate ripe for conspiracy theories and populism.

Holding a peaceful, transparent election amid the crisis reaffirms South Korea’s democratic commitment. High voter turnout is expected, reflecting the stakes. Civil society and international observers have praised the process’s transparency, despite concerns over partisan media. Many see this election as a key chance to assert democratic agency and demand accountability.

The 2025 presidential election is a key moment for South Korea to restore legitimacy, rebuild trust, and rethink its future. More than a leadership change, it is a democratic reckoning—an opportunity to confront past crises and define a national vision. It serves as a referendum on governance, justice, and identity. In this volatile time, voters hold the power to shape a new political chapter.

(The writer is a foreign affairs expert. Views personal.)