South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party has officially named former party leader Lee Jae-myung as its candidate for the upcoming June 3 presidential election, following the historic impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief martial law declaration.
At a convention held in Goyang, just northwest of Seoul, Lee secured an overwhelming 89.7% of the party vote, signaling strong backing as he prepares to challenge the conservative People Power Party (PPP) nominee.
“The people have entrusted me with the mission to reclaim power by an overwhelming victory, to bring an end to the old era of insurrection and regression,” Lee declared in his acceptance speech. “I will repay your trust by building a new Republic of Korea — a nation filled with hope and passion.”
The snap election was triggered after President Yoon was stripped of his powers late last year for attempting to impose martial law.
His decree, which saw armed soldiers deployed to the parliament, lasted only around six hours before being overturned by defiant lawmakers who scaled parliamentary fences to vote it down, safeguarding South Korea’s democratic system.
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Lee Jae-myung’s nomination marks a remarkable comeback after his narrow loss to Yoon in the 2022 presidential race — the closest election result in South Korea’s history.
Recent opinion polls show Lee with a commanding lead over other contenders. The latest Gallup survey places him at 38% support, with all other potential candidates polling in the single digits.
Meanwhile, the ruling People Power Party is set to announce its candidate on Saturday. Key figures vying for the nomination include Han Dong-hoon, the former PPP chief, and Kim Moon-soo, a former labor minister under Yoon’s administration.
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Despite his popularity, Lee faces lingering legal challenges. He has been subject to multiple investigations, including allegations of bribery and campaign law violations — accusations he dismisses as politically motivated attacks.
In March, a Seoul court acquitted him in a major election law violation case, overturning a previous ruling that could have blocked his candidacy. However, other corruption-related trials are ongoing. If elected, Lee would benefit from presidential immunity, meaning these trials would be paused during his term and could only resume once he leaves office.
The June election is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for South Korea’s future, offering voters a stark choice between two very different visions for the country amid political turbulence.
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