Will Overseas Voting for the June 3 Presidential Election in South Korea Begin on Tuesday?
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Synopsis
Overseas voting for South Korea's presidential election begins Tuesday. With 258,254 eligible voters abroad and polling stations in new countries, the elections are heating up as candidates intensify their campaigns just days before voting. Discover more about the candidates and their strategies in this crucial political moment.
Key Takeaways
- Overseas voting begins on Tuesday for South Korean citizens.
- A total of 258,254 overseas voters can participate.
- Polling stations are available in newly established diplomatic missions.
- Campaigns intensify as candidates seek undecided voters.
- Key candidates are engaging with the public just weeks before the election.
Seoul, May (NationPress) Voting for South Koreans living abroad in the presidential election scheduled for June 3 is officially set to commence on Tuesday, running for a total of six days, as confirmed by the election oversight body on Monday.
Around 258,254 South Korean citizens residing overseas, including those registered as absentee voters, are eligible to cast their ballots at 223 polling stations located in 118 countries from Tuesday until next Wednesday, according to the National Election Commission (NEC).
This year marks the first time that polling stations have been established in South Korean diplomatic missions in Cuba, Luxembourg, Lithuania, and Estonia, where embassies were recently opened, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
For eligible voters who are unable to participate in overseas voting or prefer to vote in South Korea, they can do so on the designated voting day by notifying their regional election commissions between May 26-June 3, as stated by the NEC.
In the meantime, South Korean presidential hopefuls intensified their campaign efforts on Monday, seeking to attract undecided voters in the critical region of Seoul. With the election just 15 days away, candidates are vying to succeed former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office due to a failed martial law attempt.
Leading candidate from the Democratic Party (DP), Lee Jae-myung, engaged with elderly voters, while Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP) and Lee Jun-seok from the smaller New Reform Party (NRP) participated in a forum in Seoul.
Despite speculation about a potential merger of their campaigns, the NRP's Lee, a former leader of the PPP, dismissed any interest in merging with Kim. Following their forum, Lee stated he was "not interested" in discussing this possibility.
After participating in the first televised debate for presidential candidates, Kim expressed his openness to a merger with the NRP's Lee.
Results from a Realmeter survey released on Monday indicated that DP's Lee holds a significant lead with 50.2% support, compared to Kim's 35.6%, while the NRP's Lee trails in third place with 8.7%.
After engaging with elderly voters, the DP's Lee conducted a campaign rally at Yongsan Station and plans to visit the districts of Yeongdeungpo and Mapo.
Point of View
It is essential to emphasize the significance of this election for South Korea’s future. With overseas voting playing a crucial role, it reflects the importance of engaging citizens regardless of their location. The race is heating up, and the strategies employed by the candidates will be pivotal in shaping the political landscape moving forward.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many South Koreans are eligible to vote overseas?
A total of 258,254 South Korean nationals living abroad are eligible to participate in the overseas voting.
Where can South Koreans vote overseas?
Eligible voters can cast their ballots at 223 polling stations set up in 118 different countries.
What if a voter misses the overseas voting period?
Voters unable to participate overseas can still vote in South Korea by reporting to regional election commissions between May 26 and June 3.
What is the significance of this election for South Korea?
This election is crucial as it seeks to find a successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, making it a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.
What are the current polling trends?
Recent surveys indicate that DP's Lee Jae-myung leads with 50.2% support, followed by Kim Moon-soo at 35.6%.
