How Does Lee Jae-myung Maintain His Lead in South Korea's Presidential Race?
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Synopsis
As South Korea gears up for its presidential election on June 3, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party solidifies his position as the frontrunner, despite a slight dip in support due to legal uncertainties. With significant backing from the public and party endorsements, Lee's campaign focuses on economic recovery and national unity.
Key Takeaways
- Lee Jae-myung maintains a lead in the polls with 48.5 percent support.
- The presidential election is set for June 3.
- Lee's campaign emphasizes economic recovery and dialogue with North Korea.
- He received 89.77 percent of votes in the Democratic Party primary.
- A slight dip in support is noted due to legal uncertainties.
Seoul, April 28 (NationPress) Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party (DP) candidate for the upcoming presidential election in South Korea, continues to hold a substantial lead over his rivals as the June 3 election approaches, according to a recent poll released on Monday.
The survey, carried out by Realmeter, included responses from 1,505 adults aged 18 and older between Wednesday and Friday. Lee garnered 48.5 percent of the votes, a decrease of 1.7 percentage points from the previous week.
Although Lee's support has slightly declined, attributed to uncertainties surrounding an election law violation case, he remains the clear leader in the race, as stated by the polling organization.
Former Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party (PPP) follows with 13.4 percent, while former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo and former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon received 10.2 percent and 9.7 percent, respectively.
Behind them are Lee Jun-seok, the candidate for the minor New Reform Party, at 4.4 percent, and PPP Representative Ahn Cheol-soo with 2.5 percent.
In a theoretical three-way contest with other candidates, Lee's support exceeds 50 percent.
By party affiliation, the DP attracted 46.8 percent support, whereas the PPP received 34.6 percent.
The survey holds a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points and a confidence level of 95 percent, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
South Korea is preparing for a presidential election on June 3, following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his unsuccessful bid for martial law.
On April 27, Lee, who leads in opinion polls, secured the party's presidential nomination.
The human rights lawyer-turned-politician achieved 89.77 percent of votes in the party's primary, meeting the majority requirement to avoid a runoff. Lee has prioritized economic recovery and expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with North Korea.
This achievement marks the highest percentage recorded in a presidential primary for DP candidates since South Korea's democratization in 1987.
Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon placed second with 6.87 percent, while Kim Kyung-soo, a former governor of South Gyeongsang Province, received 3.36 percent.
In his acceptance speech, Lee stated, “I will humbly fulfill the responsibility of achieving national unity, which is both the mission of politics and the president's top priority.”
In 2022, Lee narrowly lost to former President Yoon Suk Yeol by just 0.73 percentage points. The presidential election is set for June 3.
Additionally, the minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP) officially endorsed Lee Jae-myung.
“We declare that Lee is not only the DP's candidate but also the candidate supported by our party. We will dedicate all our efforts to ensure Lee's overwhelming victory,” stated the RKP's acting leader, Kim Sun-min, in a press release.
Lee is currently the leading candidate for the impending presidential election scheduled for June 3, following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial declaration of martial law.
Point of View
The political landscape remains charged with anticipation. Lee Jae-myung's substantial lead in opinion polls reflects a strong base of support, but uncertainties surrounding legal issues could sway public sentiment. The upcoming election is crucial for South Korea's future, and it will be interesting to see how candidates navigate these challenges in their campaigns.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of the presidential election in South Korea?
The presidential election in South Korea is scheduled for June 3.
Who is currently leading in the polls for the presidential election?
Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party is currently leading in the polls.
What percentage of support does Lee Jae-myung have according to recent polls?
Lee Jae-myung has garnered 48.5 percent support according to recent polls.
What are the main focuses of Lee Jae-myung's campaign?
Lee Jae-myung's campaign focuses on economic recovery and dialogue with North Korea.
How did Lee perform in his party's primary election?
Lee secured 89.77 percent of the votes in his party's primary election.
