On Friday, South Korea’s highest office was left vacant when President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed. This decision paves the way for an early presidential election, which must take place within 60 days. The political landscape is already shifting, with major parties and candidates positioning themselves for the upcoming contest.
The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has a clear front-runner in Rep. Lee Jae-myung. He narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential race by just 0.7 percent. As the DPK leader, Lee holds a strong grip on the party. He has also faced legal challenges but remains a dominant figure in the opposition. Lee’s past as Gyeonggi Province governor and Seongnam mayor lends him substantial experience in public office. His main policy in the last election focused on universal basic income, promising income guarantees for all households.
Although Lee is the clear front-runner, other potential DPK candidates have emerged. Kim Boo-kyum, former prime minister under Moon Jae-in, has been mentioned in discussions. Another possible contender, Kim Kyung-soo, the former governor of South Gyeongsang, has re-entered public life after being pardoned by Yoon. Kim Dong-yeon, the current governor of Gyeonggi Province, has positioned himself as a candidate without legal baggage, a direct challenge to Lee.
For the People Power Party (PPP), the race is more complicated. Kim Moon-soo, Yoon’s labor minister, has become the favorite candidate among conservative supporters. Kim has consistently topped polls since Yoon’s impeachment in December 2024. Another pro-Yoon candidate, Rep. Na Kyung-won, is also expected to run. Na is a veteran lawmaker and a former judge who has garnered attention with appearances at conservative rallies.
Several non-Yoon candidates from the PPP are also emerging. Han Dong-hoon, a former justice minister, has led the non-Yoon faction in the party. Meanwhile, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has hinted at his presidential ambitions. Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, who supported Yoon in 2022, has confirmed his intent to run.
In addition to these prominent figures, third-party candidates are making their presence known. Rep. Lee Jun-seok, once a key figure in Yoon’s campaign, has launched his bid for the presidency. He founded the Reform Party after being ousted from the PPP in 2022. Lee Nak-yon, former prime minister under Moon Jae-in, has also formed a new political faction and is critical of Lee Jae-myung’s leadership.
As the political scene heats up, South Korea braces for what promises to be a highly competitive and crucial early presidential election.
