South Korea is seeing a historic voter turnout during its presidential election following former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s surprise declaration of martial law. The move, which was controversial in nature, resulted in his impeachment and ousting from office. In response, citizens have thronged polling stations in record numbers to uphold democratic governance.
With the nation threatened by political unrest, economic pressure, and international tensions, voters are hungry for leadership that can lead South Korea back from the edge. Liberal leader Lee Jae-myung is in the lead in opinion polls, with conservative challenger Kim Moon-soo lagging behind.
Increased Voter Turnout
On the second and last day of the early vote, lines reached long distances nationwide. By Friday at 8:00 am (2300 GMT Thursday), 21 percent of the 44.4 million registered voters had already voted. The National Election Commission had this as a record. Overseas voting also reached unprecedented levels, with 80 percent of the 1.97 million eligible Koreans abroad casting votes last week.
Commentators view this increased turnout as an evident indication of the citizenry wanting to reclaim democratic values. “The high voter turnout is a natural expression of the citizens’ strong will to return democracy,” said Kang Joo-hyun, a professor of political science at Sookmyung Women’s University.
Liberal Lee Ahead as Polls Close
Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is way ahead of the pack. According to a Gallup Korea survey, 49 percent of voters consider him the best candidate. His rival, Kim Moon-soo from the ousted Yoon’s People Power Party, trails behind at 35 percent.
Lee Jae-myung had earlier lost the 2022 election to Yoon Suk Yeol by one of the tightest margins in the nation’s history. His platform emphasizes justice and accountability. He promises to prosecute “insurrection elements” if he wins.
Country Still has Significant Challenges
The President next will have more than partisan fix-up on his plate. South Korea’s export-based economy is struggling with soft world demand. Domestic living costs keep increasing. The nation also boasts one of the lowest birth rates in the world.
On the international scene, the next president has to contend with escalating tensions between China—South Korea’s biggest trade partner—and the US—its security partner.
Risk of Fresh Instability Hangs Over
While most view Lee Jae-myung as a figure of democratic reclamation, not all agree his rule will put an end to the crisis. Kang Won-taek, a political scientist at Seoul National University, issued a cautionary note. “Lee has been at the centre of the polarisation that has driven much of the country’s political instability,” he said.
He said, “Unless he takes a significantly more open attitude toward governance, there’s a high likelihood that old conflicts will resurface.”
South Koreans are waiting for election day on June 3, and their message is direct: they want change, and they want back their democracy.