Will a Three-Way Race Dominate South Korea's Presidential Election?
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Synopsis
As South Korea's presidential election approaches, the competition heats up among three major candidates. With early voting just around the corner, who will emerge victorious? Stay tuned as we dive into the latest polls and campaign strategies that could shape the future of the nation.
Key Takeaways
- Lee Jae-myung leads the race with significant support.
- Kim Moon-soo is attempting to close the gap.
- Lee Jun-seok remains a distinct third option.
- Negotiations for candidacy mergers have stalled.
- The election is just days away, adding urgency to campaigns.
Seoul, May 28 (NationPress) As the election campaign reaches its final phase in South Korea, a three-way presidential race is intensifying as of Wednesday, with candidates stepping up their efforts just a day ahead of the early voting period.
A recent opinion poll unveiled earlier today shows that Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung is leading significantly, surpassing his People Power Party (PPP) opponent Kim Moon-soo by over 10 percentage points.
Lee Jun-seok of the smaller New Reform Party (NRP), once a leader of the PPP, stands third with around 10 percent support, but he has declined to join forces with Kim to pose a greater challenge to DP's Lee.
A Realmeter survey released today indicated the DP's Lee at 49.2 percent, while Kim trails behind with 36.8 percent. The margin of error stands at 3.1 percentage points with a 95 percent confidence level. The NRP's Lee follows with 10.3 percent support.
With just six days until the election, both the PPP and NRP's Lee have yet to find common ground for a potential candidacy merger.
PPP spokesperson Shin Dong-wook suggested that efforts to merge candidacies with the NRP's Lee may soon be abandoned, while the NRP candidate reiterated his lack of intention to do so since the campaign began.
Initially, the DP's Lee held a 20-point advantage over Kim when the official campaign commenced on May 12, but the race has tightened as both Kim and the NRP's Lee gained momentum, according to the Yonhap news agency.
The Realmeter poll serves as a crucial indicator of voter sentiment, given that the release of opinion polls will be prohibited starting Wednesday under election regulations.
DP's Lee has maintained a strong lead in this race to succeed former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office after a failed martial law attempt.
On Wednesday, Lee of the DP plans to concentrate on eastern Seoul, conducting campaign rallies in Gwangjin and Seongdong districts.
Before his rallies, Lee will participate in a live YouTube broadcast to reiterate his promise to elevate the Korea Composite Stock Price Index to 5,000 points, alongside discussions on stock market reforms.
Kim will return to his conservative strongholds in North and South Gyeongsang provinces, as well as the southeastern cities of Busan and Daegu, aiming to engage conservative voters.
His day began with a visit to the March 15 National Cemetery in Changwon, followed by campaign rallies in southeastern cities like Gimhae, Yangsan, Busan, and Daegu. In Gyeongsan, he will stop by Yeungnam University to attract young voters on campus.
Point of View
The three-way presidential race in South Korea reflects the diverse sentiments of the electorate. As candidates make their final pitches, it is essential to remain impartial and focused on the issues that matter most to voters. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the country's future.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the main candidates in the South Korean presidential election?
The main candidates are Lee Jae-myung from the Democratic Party, Kim Moon-soo from the People Power Party, and Lee Jun-seok from the New Reform Party.
What do recent polls indicate about the election?
Recent polls show Lee Jae-myung leading with 49.2%, followed by Kim Moon-soo at 36.8%, and Lee Jun-seok at 10.3%.
When does early voting begin?
Early voting begins just a day after the latest polling results were released, intensifying the campaign efforts of all candidates.
What is the significance of the Realmeter survey?
The Realmeter survey is crucial as it is the last opinion poll released before the election, providing a snapshot of voter sentiment.
What strategies are candidates using to appeal to voters?
Candidates are focusing on rallies, engaging with specific demographics, and addressing key economic issues to win over voters.
