Will South Korea's Presidential Rivals Win Over Voters in the Final Days Before Election?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Lee Jae-myung claims election manipulation must be addressed.
- Kim Moon-soo calls for Lee's political exclusion.
- Election date is set for June 3.
- Legal challenges surrounding candidates could impact public perception.
- Former President Yoon's removal sets a turbulent backdrop for the election.
Seoul, May 31 (NationPress) With just three days left until the nation selects its next leader, South Korean Presidential contenders ramped up their efforts to engage voters on Saturday.
Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party participated in a rally in Pyeongtaek, located roughly 60 kilometers south of Seoul, following the conclusion of a two-day early voting period for the upcoming June 3 presidential election.
During the rally, Lee addressed allegations regarding potential opinion manipulation by a far-right organization, labeling such actions as an “act of rebellion” that warrants accountability.
“How can they be manipulating comments, fabricating news in this era, and systematically planning to disrupt the electoral outcomes?” he questioned. “Is this acceptable? We must eliminate it.”
Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party urged for Lee’s political exclusion, branding him a habitual liar during a rally in the eastern Gangwon Province, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
“Lee has been proven guilty of deceit. What would happen to our nation if he ascends to the presidency?” Kim asserted, pledging to be a “transparent” leader if elected.
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court directed a retrial of Lee's election law violation case back to the Seoul High Court, citing missteps in the lower court's judgment that cleared Lee of accusations regarding false statements made during the 2021 presidential election, as reported by Yonhap.
South Korea will choose a new president next Tuesday following the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his brief imposition of martial law in December.
Yoon, a South Korean lawyer and public figure who held the positions of prosecutor general (2019–21) and president (2022–24), declared martial law on December 3, 2024, under the pretense of tackling “pro-North Korean” elements within the government. However, he rescinded the declaration only hours later and was impeached by South Korea’s National Assembly on December 14, resulting in the loss of his presidential powers.