🇰🇷 South Korea’s 2025 Presidential Campaigns: A Fusion of Tech and Culture

Advanced Level | May 16, 2025

Economic Revival at the Forefront

In the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment over a controversial martial law declaration, South Korea is preparing for a snap presidential election on June 3, 2025. The nation’s economic revival stands as a central theme in the campaigns of leading candidates.

Lee Jae-myung, representing the Democratic Party, is advocating for comprehensive reforms. His economic agenda includes:

Investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI): Lee proposes bolstering AI research and development to position South Korea as a global leader in this sector.
Supporting Local Businesses: Emphasis on nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to stimulate job creation and innovation.
Enhancing the Content Industry: Recognizing the global influence of K-pop and Korean dramas, Lee aims to further develop these sectors as economic drivers.
Developing the Defense Industry: Strengthening national security while creating high-tech employment opportunities.

Additionally, Lee’s social policies focus on reducing working hours, addressing low birth rates, and expanding support for the elderly. His foreign policy seeks to improve relations with the European Union and engage peacefully with North Korea (Reuters).

Conservative Vision: Deregulation and Defense

On the conservative front, Kim Moon-soo, a former labor minister, presents a platform centered on economic deregulation and national security. His key proposals include:

Establishing a 100 Trillion Won AI Fund: A significant investment to advance AI technologies through public-private partnerships.
Tax Relief for the Middle Class: Aiming to alleviate financial burdens and stimulate consumer spending.
Support for Cryptocurrency Markets: Promoting digital innovation and financial diversification.
Inheritance Tax Reforms: Adjusting tax policies to encourage wealth transfer and economic activity.

In terms of national security, Kim advocates for a hardline stance on North Korea, including the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons and the pursuit of nuclear fuel reprocessing rights. He also emphasizes expanding nuclear power to reduce corporate energy costs (Reuters).

Cultural Exports as Economic Catalysts

Both candidates acknowledge the significant role of South Korea’s cultural exports, particularly K-pop, in the global economy. Lee Jae-myung emphasizes the development of the content industry, recognizing its potential for job creation and international influence. While Kim Moon-soo’s campaign focuses more on economic and security policies, the overarching acknowledgment of cultural industries underscores their importance in national economic strategies.

Public Sentiment and Skepticism

Despite ambitious proposals, public skepticism remains. Voters question the feasibility of these plans and their potential to address pressing issues such as youth unemployment, an aging population, and rising household debt. The electorate’s response to these campaign promises will be pivotal in shaping South Korea’s economic and political future.

Vocabulary

Impeachment (noun): The process of charging a public official with misconduct.
Example: The president faced impeachment over the controversial declaration.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) (noun): The simulation of human intelligence in machines.
Example: Investing in AI is central to the candidate’s economic plan.
Deregulation (noun): The reduction or elimination of government regulations.
Example: The policy focuses on economic growth through deregulation.
Content Industry (noun): Sectors involved in creating and distributing media content.
Example: The content industry, including K-pop, is a significant economic contributor.
Public-Private Partnership (noun): A cooperative arrangement between government and private sector.
Example: The AI fund will be established through a public-private partnership.
Tax Relief (noun): Reductions in the amount of tax owed.
Example: Middle-class families will benefit from new tax relief measures.
Cryptocurrency (noun): Digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security.
Example: Policies supporting cryptocurrency could promote innovation.
Inheritance Tax (noun): A tax paid on money or property inherited from someone.
Example: Proposed reforms would lower the inheritance tax.
Skepticism (noun): Doubt or disbelief about whether something is true or effective.
Example: There is growing public skepticism about campaign promises.
Demographics (noun): The statistical characteristics of populations.
Example: South Korea’s aging demographics are influencing policy decisions.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

How do the economic strategies of the two main candidates differ?
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of investing heavily in AI?
In what ways can cultural industries like K-pop influence a country’s economy?
How might public skepticism impact the implementation of these economic plans?
What role should government play in balancing technological advancement and social welfare?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

What industries do you think will grow the most in the next 10 years?
Do you trust political campaign promises in your country?
How important is it for a country to support its entertainment industry?
What makes a campaign promise realistic versus unrealistic?
Would you vote for a candidate based on their economic plan? Why or why not?

Related Idiom

“Put your money where your mouth is”
Meaning: To support one’s statements or promises with action or financial commitment.
Example: Voters expect candidates to put their money where their mouth is regarding economic reforms.

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This article was inspired by Reuters coverage published on May 13, 2025.