Lee Jae-myung secures Democratic Party nomination for South Korea’s presidency with 90% support, despite facing multiple corruption trials that could be paused if he wins.
At a Glance
- Lee Jae-myung won the Democratic Party of Korea’s nomination for the June 3 snap presidential election with nearly 90% of votes
- He led the impeachment process against ousted President Yoon Suk-yeol over an attempted martial law decree
- Lee maintains a double-digit lead in polls over conservative rivals despite facing five corruption trials
- This is Lee’s third presidential bid after narrowly losing to Yoon in 2022
- If elected, his ongoing corruption trials may be halted due to presidential immunity
Progressive Leader Secures Party Nomination
Lee Jae-myung, former leader of South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party, has secured the party’s nomination for the upcoming snap presidential election scheduled for June 3. Lee received an overwhelming 90% of votes in the party primary, cementing his position as the frontrunner to become South Korea’s next President. The nomination marks Lee’s third attempt at the presidency, following his narrow defeat to Yoon Suk-yeol in the 2022 election by less than 1% of votes.
The snap election was triggered after President Yoon was removed from office by South Korea’s Constitutional Court earlier this month following his attempted decree of martial law. Lee played a pivotal role in the impeachment process that led to Yoon’s ouster, helping to block and ultimately annul the martial law order. This political victory has significantly boosted Lee’s standing among voters seeking change in leadership.
Lee Jae-myung becomes presidential candidate for Democratic Partyhttps://t.co/hvBr4gpFqX
— The Korea Times (@koreatimescokr) April 27, 2025
Election Frontrunner Despite Legal Challenges
Lee has maintained a commanding lead in opinion polls, outpacing candidates from the conservative People Power Party by double digits. His strong showing comes despite facing five separate trials for corruption charges, including allegations related to bribery and a $1 billion property development scandal from his time as mayor of Seongnam city. These legal challenges have not significantly dampened his support among Democratic Party members and progressive voters.
“I am not only the candidate of the Democratic Party, but of all people who yearn for the end of insurrection, the overcoming of crisis, and the pursuit of unity and happiness,” Lee Jae-myung said.
Political analysts note that if Lee wins the presidency, his ongoing corruption trials would likely be suspended due to presidential immunity provisions in South Korean law. This legal protection would remain in effect throughout his term in office. Meanwhile, the conservative People Power Party continues to struggle with public trust issues following former President Yoon’s attempted martial law decree and subsequent removal from office.
South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party of Korea has named Lee Jae-myung as its candidate for the snap presidential election set for June 3 ⤵️ https://t.co/7wWt3jEW3K
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) April 27, 2025
Policy Platform and Political Background
Lee has built his campaign on progressive policies focused on economic equality and improved relations with North Korea. His anti-establishment reputation stems from his humble beginnings and rise through local politics, serving as Governor of Gyeonggi province and Mayor of Seongnam city before ascending to national prominence. His campaign promises include enhancing South Korea’s defense capabilities, advancing high-tech industries, boosting cultural influence, and strengthening democratic institutions.
“Lee Jae-myung, a former leader of South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party, won the group’s presidential primary on Sunday as he readies to fight again for the country’s top political office,” said Bloomberg.
Recent polls suggest Lee’s popularity extends beyond traditional Democratic Party supporters, with some surveys showing him polling above 40% in potential three-way races. This broader appeal may prove decisive in the upcoming election as South Korea navigates domestic political turmoil following Yoon’s unprecedented removal from office.
The June 3 election will determine who will lead the country through this period of political transition and address ongoing challenges in foreign policy, economic development, and national security.
