South Korea launches presidential election campaign

Official campaigning has begun for South Korea’s June 3 presidential election, with Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung emerging as the clear front-runner in opinion polls, amid public discontent over recent conservative rule.

The election was triggered by the impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol in December over his controversial attempt to invoke martial law, ending a tumultuous three-year tenure, Caliber.Az reports, citing South Korean media.

The political fallout has set the stage for a high-stakes contest between Lee of the liberal DP and Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party (PPP).

A total of seven candidates registered with the National Election Commission during the official two-day registration period that ended Sunday. Candidate numbers were assigned based on party strength in the National Assembly, with Lee receiving No. 1 and Kim No. 2. Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party was assigned No. 4. The Rebuilding Korea Party did not field a candidate, leaving No. 3 vacant, while Nos. 5 to 8 were allocated to two minor party candidates and two independents.

Launching his campaign at Cheonggye Plaza in central Seoul, Lee Jae-myung continued on to key suburban and central cities, including Seongnam, Hwaseong, and Daejeon. His campaign has centred on improving the economy and public welfare, appealing to undecided voters weary of political instability.

Kim, a former labour minister who was confirmed as the PPP candidate just two days ago following internal disputes, began his campaign at Garak Market in southern Seoul. He plans stops in Daejeon and the conservative stronghold of Daegu later in the day, aiming to consolidate right-leaning support.

A Realmeter poll released Sunday shows Lee leading with 52.1 per cent in a hypothetical three-way race, far ahead of Kim's 31.1 per cent. Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party trails with single-digit support.

Under election regulations, candidates are permitted to deliver public speeches from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., distribute campaign literature, and install banners during the official campaign period.

With less than a month to go, the race is shaping up as a decisive referendum on the country’s political direction after a period of conservative upheaval.

By Khagan Isayev