Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party, has resigned from his position, fueling speculation about his expected candidacy in the upcoming snap presidential election scheduled for June 3. The move comes amid a politically turbulent period following the impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Lee’s resignation is widely viewed as a calculated step to launch his presidential campaign. Aged 61, Lee previously served as mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province. He narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon and has remained a central figure in South Korean politics, despite facing several legal challenges. In March, a Seoul High Court acquitted him of violating election laws, clearing a major obstacle to his potential candidacy.
The upcoming snap election was triggered by the Constitutional Court’s historic decision to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol from office. Yoon was impeached after he controversially declared martial law in December 2024, a move that the court ruled as a serious violation of his constitutional duties. His removal plunged the nation into a leadership vacuum, raising concerns about governance and policy direction at a time of international pressure and domestic instability.
One of the most pressing issues facing the incoming administration will be managing strained relations with the United States. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, now serving another term, recently imposed 25 percent reciprocal tariffs on Korean exports. The new South Korean president will be tasked with navigating the economic fallout from these tariffs, as well as restoring stability to the country's foreign and trade policies.
Within the ruling People Power Party, candidates are also emerging. Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo has announced his candidacy, promising to focus on national unity and economic recovery. Other prominent figures, such as lawmaker and tech advocate Ahn Cheol-soo, are expected to join the race, creating a highly competitive political landscape.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is preparing to nominate its official candidate in the coming days. Lee Jae-myung is widely anticipated to secure the nomination, given his strong support base and recent legal clearance. Public opinion polls currently place him as the leading contender in the presidential race.
The snap election arrives at a pivotal moment for South Korea. Beyond replacing its ousted president, the nation is grappling with calls for constitutional reforms to curb presidential powers and prevent future political crises. These proposed changes, supported by many lawmakers and civil society groups, reflect a growing demand for more balanced and accountable governance.
As June 3 approaches, the country’s political climate is heating up, with voters preparing to make a critical decision about the future direction of South Korea. The outcome of the election is expected to shape the nation's domestic stability, international standing, and economic resilience in the years ahead.