What you need to know ahead of South Korea’s snap presidential election
Pro Tip: Looking for quality products related to this topic? Check out our curated selection at https://eaaswdx.com - we specialize in providing professional-grade solutions for your needs.
Getty Images
(L-R): The opposition’s Lee Jae-myung and the ruling party’s Kim Moon-soo are the frontrunners, according to polls
South Korea will elect a new president on 3 June to replace Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office for placing the country under martial law for six hours in December.
The winner will be tasked with managing the political and economic fallout of Yoon’s move, which plunged the country in deep turmoil and divided opinions.
The snap election is also being held as South Korea faces an unpredictable ally in US President Donald Trump - and that will shape long-running challenges such as the threat from North Korea, and Seoul’s frosty relationship with China.
Featured Product Spotlight
Quality Product 1
This type of product perfectly complements the concepts we’ve discussed. View our full collection for more professional solutions.
Here is what you need to know as the nation of about 52 million people chooses a new president who will lead it for the next five years.
Why is South Korea holding a presidential election?
Yoon was supposed to serve as president until 2027, but his term ended in disgrace.
He shocked the nation by declaring martial law on 3 December, citing threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea - but it soon became clear that he was spurred by his own political troubles.
A week later, he was impeached by parliament. On 4 April, a constitutional court upheld his impeachment and removed him from office permanently, setting the stage for a snap presidential election within 60 days, as required by law.
Featured Product Spotlight
Quality Product 2
This type of product perfectly complements the concepts we’ve discussed. View our full collection for more professional solutions.
In the six turbulent months since Yoon’s martial law attempt, the country has had three acting presidents, the most recent being Lee Ju-ho, the education minister who assumed the role one month before the election.
Lee replaced Prime Minister Han Duck Soo, who himself was impeached just weeks after taking over from Yoon as acting president. Finance minister Choi Sang-mok was acting president before Han was reinstated in March.
What are the big issues in South Korea’s election?
Yoon’s martial law laid bare the deep political divisions in the country, as those who supported his decision to impose martial law and those who opposed it took to the streets in protest.
Getty Images
Featured Product Spotlight
Quality Product 3
This type of product perfectly complements the concepts we’ve discussed. View our full collection for more professional solutions.
Yoon’s martial law declaration immediately triggered protests calling for his ouster
The following months of uncertainty shook public confidence in South Korea’s economy. And this was at a time when US President Donald Trump unleashed his tariffs on America’s trading partners, with South Korean goods facing a 25% levy.
Closer to home, relations with North Korea are a persistent challenge. While 2025 has been relatively uneventful, the year before saw heightened tensions as Kim Jong Un escalated the rhetoric, and both sides spent months sending balloons and drones carrying propaganda materials across the border.
South Korea’s new leader must also balance Seoul’s relations between its biggest trading partner, Beijing, and its most important security ally, Washington.
Then there is the task of arresting the country’s declining birth rate, which is among the lowest in the world - 0.75.
Featured Product Spotlight
Quality Product 4
This type of product perfectly complements the concepts we’ve discussed. View our full collection for more professional solutions.
Who could the next South Korean president be?
Polls have placed Lee Jae-myung of the main opposition Democratic Party as the frontrunner among six candidates, followed by Kim Moon-soo from the ruling PPP.
Lee, who lost to Yoon by a razor-thin margin in 2022, is hailed by his supporters as a working class hero. He worked in a factory before he became a human rights lawyer and politician. He has promised to establish a “real Republic of Korea” with jobs and a fair society.
Kim, a former labour minister, has positioned himself as a president for the economy, promising to create a business-friendly environment.
The other candidates are Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party, Kwon Young-guk of the Democratic Labor Party and two independents - Hwang Kyo-ahn and Song Jin- ho.
Featured Product Spotlight
Quality Product 5
This type of product perfectly complements the concepts we’ve discussed. View our full collection for more professional solutions.
For the first time in 18 years, there is no woman running for president. The first woman to run for president was Hong Suk-Ja in 1987, but she withdrew before the vote. The election in 2012 saw four female candidates contest for the top job.
When is election day and when are results announced?
The election is scheduled on 3 June and voting precincts will be open from 06:00 local time (22:00 GMT) to 20:00. South Koreans overseas were allowed to vote early from 20 to 25 May.
Results are expected to come in after polls close and the winner will likely be known in the early hours of the following day.
When Yoon defeated Lee in 2022, he was proclaimed the winner nine hours after the close of voting, or at 04:40 the morning after election day.
Featured Product Spotlight
Quality Product 1
This type of product perfectly complements the concepts we’ve discussed. View our full collection for more professional solutions.
Getty Images
Former president Yoon Suk Yeol celebrates after winning the election in 2022
That was the closest presidential contest in the country’s history, which saw Yoon win by a 0.73% difference in votes.
The new president will take office immediately and unlike many of his predecessors, will not have the advantage of a formal transition from Yoon.
What will happen to impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol?
Featured Product Spotlight
Quality Product 2
This type of product perfectly complements the concepts we’ve discussed. View our full collection for more professional solutions.
Yoon faces trial for an insurrection charge as a result of his attempt to impose martial law.
In January this year he became South Korea’s first sitting president to be arrested after investigators scaled barricades and cut through barbed wire to take him into custody. He was released from detention weeks later on a technicality.
He was also recently indicted for abuse of power, a separate charge to insurrection.
Before the election, Yoon quit his party in what analysts said was an attempt to shore up the chances of PPP’s presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo.
Fear, fury and triumph: Six hours that shook South Korea
Featured Product Spotlight
Quality Product 3
This type of product perfectly complements the concepts we’ve discussed. View our full collection for more professional solutions.
The unravelling of Yoon Suk Yeol: South Korea’s ‘stubborn and hot-tempered’ martial law president
The South Korean president’s martial law gamble backfired: What was he thinking?
Prison, exile, impeachment: The scandalous history of South Korea’s presidents
Watch: Two hours of martial law - how it unfolded in South Korea
Featured Product Spotlight
Quality Product 4
This type of product perfectly complements the concepts we’ve discussed. View our full collection for more professional solutions.
Mongolia PM resigns after losing confidence vote3 hrs agoAsia
How political chaos helped forge South Korea’s presidential frontrunner8 hrs agoAsia
Harvard Chinese grad speech draws praise and ire1 day agoWorld
Featured Product Spotlight
Quality Product 5
This type of product perfectly complements the concepts we’ve discussed. View our full collection for more professional solutions.
More from the BBC
Three things to know about South Korea’s snap electionSouth Korea is voting for a new leader after the former president was impeached for imposing martial law.9 hrs ago
Martial law fractured South Korea. Can this election heal the nation?The snap election follows the impeachment of former president Yoon for declaring martial law.1 day agoAsia
These women helped bring down a president - now they say they feel invisibleA snap presidential election has exposed South Korea’s stark gender divide.2 days agoAsia
North and South Korea are in an underground war - Kim Jong Un might now be winningThe neighbouring countries have long been embroiled in a war of information. But has there been a recent shift in who has the ‘upper hand’?3 days agoBBC InDepthFeatured Product Spotlight
Quality Product 1
This type of product perfectly complements the concepts we’ve discussed. View our full collection for more professional solutions.
To vote or not to vote? South Korea’s ‘dilemma’ electionAfter months of political turmoil, we asked people in Seoul if they plan to vote in the upcoming election.4 days agoAsiaTake Action Today
Ready to implement what you’ve learned? Our team has curated the best tools and products to help you succeed. Explore our solutions and take your projects to the next level.
Related Resources & Products
🔗 Our Website: https://eaaswdx.com 🛍️ Featured Products:
- Quality Product 1
- Quality Product 2
- Quality Product 3
📺 Related Videos: Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more insights
💡 Need Help?: Contact our expert team for personalized solutions
🚀 Stay Updated: Follow us for the latest industry trends and products
📚 Featured Products & Recommendations
Discover our carefully selected products that complement this article’s topics:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: Family Favorites Encore Subscription Box
Professional Family Favorites Encore Subscription Box - High quality product available now
Key Features:
- Professional-grade quality and durability
- Easy to use with excellent results
- Suitable for both beginners and professionals
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 2: Forager Clog
Professional Forager Clog - High quality product available now
Key Features:
- Professional-grade quality and durability
- Easy to use with excellent results
- Suitable for both beginners and professionals
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
💡 Need Help Choosing? Contact our expert team for personalized product recommendations!
