South Korea Prepares for Snap Presidential Election After Impeachment of President Yoon

SEOUL, South Korea — In the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol's unprecedented declaration of martial law in December 2024 and his subsequent impeachment, South Korea is poised for a pivotal snap presidential election on June 3, 2025. Early voting commenced on May 29, with a record-breaking turnout, signaling the nation's eagerness to restore democratic stability.

The political upheaval began on December 3, 2024, when President Yoon declared emergency martial law, citing threats from "anti-state forces" and North Korea. This move suspended political activities and press freedoms, leading to widespread protests. The National Assembly swiftly voted 204-85 to impeach Yoon on December 14, 2024. The Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment on April 4, 2025, resulting in Yoon's removal from office.

The upcoming election features prominent candidates, including Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party. Lee, a former governor of Gyeonggi Province and human rights lawyer, has a history of advocating for social welfare programs. He survived a knife attack and has faced legal challenges, some of which are postponed until after the election. Kim, formerly a leftist labor activist, has evolved into a right-wing maverick, serving as Minister of Employment and Labor and Governor of Gyeonggi Province. He has faced internal party challenges regarding his candidacy.

Early voting has seen unprecedented participation. As of late Thursday morning, 7.00% of the nation’s 44.39 million eligible voters had already cast their ballots, marking the highest early turnout in a presidential election to date. This surge reflects the public's commitment to democratic principles and human rights.

The election occurs amidst economic challenges. The Bank of Korea recently cut its benchmark interest rate to 2.50% to bolster an economy under strain from global trade slowdowns. The central bank also slashed its 2025 growth forecast nearly in half to 0.8%, signaling the potential for more rate cuts.

South Korea's upcoming presidential election is a pivotal moment following a period of significant political upheaval. The events leading to this election underscore the challenges and resilience of the nation's democratic institutions. The election's outcome will likely have profound implications for South Korea's political stability, economic policies, and international relations.