South Korea Presidential Election 2025: Yoon Quits Party as Liberals Take the Lead

Advanced Level | May 24, 2025

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South Korea Presidential Election 2025: Yoon Steps Away from Party Politics

Just weeks before South Korea’s June 3 snap presidential election, former President Yoon Suk Yeol made headlines by resigning from the conservative People Power Party (PPP). In a televised statement on May 17, 2025, Yoon said he was stepping aside to avoid dividing conservative voters and asked his supporters to back PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo.

Why Did Yoon Resign?

Yoon’s resignation comes after a year of political drama. In late 2024, Yoon declared martial law during mass protests and was impeached shortly after. The Constitutional Court confirmed his removal in April 2025. His decision to exit the party now is widely seen as an effort to unify conservative voters behind a single candidate as liberal rival Lee Jae-myung surges in the polls. The South Korea presidential election 2025 is now shaping up to be one of the most consequential races in recent memory.

The Leading Candidates

Lee Jae-myung (Democratic Party): Currently leading with 51% of voter support, Lee is campaigning on AI innovation, pragmatic diplomacy, and constitutional reform.
Kim Moon-soo (People Power Party): The conservative candidate backed by Yoon, Kim is polling at 29% and focusing on deregulation, job creation, and research investment.

Key Issues in the South Korea Presidential Election 2025

South Korean voters are concerned about the economy, strained U.S. trade ties, and rising regional tensions. With economic growth slowing and tariffs rising, both candidates have had to address how they will manage relations with the U.S., China, and Japan.

Public trust in government is also at stake. Many voters are still recovering from the shock of Yoon’s impeachment, and candidates are being pressed to show transparency and accountability.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re living in Korea or just interested in global politics, this election is worth watching. It marks a turning point in Korean politics and could shift international alliances. If you’re working in business or tech, changes in regulation and foreign policy may affect your job. And if you’re learning English, this is a great time to build your vocabulary around politics and current events!

Vocabulary

Impeach (verb): To formally charge a public official with wrongdoing.
- Example: The president was impeached for violating the constitution.
Martial law (noun): Military control over normal civil functions or suspension of civil law.
- Example: The government declared martial law during the unrest.
Resign (verb): To step down from a job or position.
- Example: The CEO resigned amid controversy.
Surge (verb): To rise quickly or suddenly.
- Example: His popularity surged after the debate.
Back (someone) (verb): To support someone publicly.
- Example: The former leader backed the new candidate.
Snap election (noun): An election called earlier than expected.
- Example: The prime minister announced a snap election.
Deregulation (noun): The process of removing government rules.
- Example: Deregulation can help boost the economy.
Poll (noun/verb): A survey of public opinion.
- Example: The latest poll shows a tight race.
Transparency (noun): Openness and honesty in government or business.
- Example: Voters want more transparency from politicians.
Accountability (noun): Responsibility for actions and decisions.
- Example: The new president promised greater accountability.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why did Yoon Suk Yeol leave the People Power Party?
What are the main campaign points for each candidate?
How did Yoon’s impeachment affect public opinion?
What challenges are voters concerned about in this election?
Why might this election impact international relations?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Have you ever followed a major political election closely? What was it like?
What makes someone a good political leader?
Should a former president support candidates after leaving office?
How can the media influence election results?
What political issues matter most to you today?

Related Idiom

“Step down”

Meaning: To leave a position or office voluntarily.
Example: Yoon stepped down from his party to avoid splitting the vote.

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