South Korea's Lee Jae-myung Nominated Opposition Presidential Candidate

Following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief imposition of martial law, South Korea is set for a June 3 snap presidential election. The main opposition Democratic Party overwhelmingly nominated its former leader, Lee Jae-myung, who previously lost to Yoon by the narrowest margin in 2022 and has led impeachment efforts against the ousted president. Lee is currently the clear frontrunner, polling at 38% support, with all other contenders, including the ruling People Power Party (PPP) candidates, trailing in single digits. The PPP has narrowed its field to Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon, with its nominee to be selected shortly before the election. Lee is known for his liberal stance favoring economic equality and improved relations with North Korea, though critics label him a populist. The new president will serve a full five-year term, with the election outcome likely to reshape South Korea's political landscape.