A Simple Guide to South Korea’s 2025 Presidential Election

Intermediate | May 31, 2025

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Why is South Korea’s 2025 presidential election happening early?

On June 3rd, 2025, South Koreans will choose a new president in the South Korea 2025 presidential election. You might be wondering why the election is happening now instead of later. Well, the original election was planned for 2027, but things changed after the former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was removed from office.

This early election, sometimes called a “snap election,” is happening because the Constitutional Court upheld the decision to remove President Yoon in April 2025. This followed a difficult period after he declared martial law in December 2024, which caused a lot of division and protest in the country.

South Korea’s 2025 Presidential Election: Candidates and Key Issues

Who Are the Main Candidates?

So, who are the people hoping to become the next president? The two main candidates that most people are talking about are Lee Jae-myung from the liberal Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo from the conservative People Power Party.

What Do the Candidates Stand For?

Lee Jae-myung is seen as the frontrunner in the polls. He’s a former lawyer and politician who talks about creating a fairer society with more jobs. Kim Moon-soo, a former labor minister, is focusing on the economy and making it easier for businesses.

What Issues Matter to Voters?

People are also concerned about political disagreements in the country, the relationship with North Korea, and how to balance ties with global powers like the US and China. Human rights issues have also been part of the conversation.

Vocabulary

Upheld (verb): To support or confirm something.
*Example: “The court upheld the decision to have an early election.”
Impeachment (noun): The process of formally accusing a public official of a serious crime.
*Example: “The president faced impeachment after the controversial decision.”
Martial Law (noun): Temporary rule by military forces over civilians, usually during an emergency.
*Example: “Declaring martial law caused a lot of protests.”
Snap Election (noun): An election called earlier than expected.
*Example: “Because of the situation, a snap election was necessary.”
Frontrunner (noun): The candidate who is leading in a competition or election.
*Example: “According to the polls, Lee Jae-myung is the frontrunner.”
Conservative (adjective): Favoring traditional values and established institutions.
*Example: “The conservative party has a different view on the economy.”
Liberal (adjective): Favoring political or social reform.
*Example: “The liberal candidate focuses on social justice.”
Polls (noun): Surveys of public opinion.
*Example: “The latest polls show the candidate’s popularity.”
Faction (noun): A small organized dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics.
*Example: “There are different factions within the political parties.”
Turmoil (noun): A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
*Example: “The country experienced political turmoil.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why is South Korea holding a presidential election earlier than originally planned?
What event led to the former president being removed from office?
Who are the two main candidates in the election, and which political parties do they represent?
What are some of the key issues being discussed in this election?
How do the main candidates’ platforms seem to differ?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How important do you think presidential elections are for a country’s future?
What qualities do you think are most important for a good president to have?
How do political divisions affect a country?
What are some common challenges that many countries face when electing a new leader?
Why is it important for candidates to discuss their views on human rights?

Related Idiom

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This article was inspired by: BBC News, May 27, 2025