South Koreans voted today for a new president after months of political chaos. The election follows the dramatic removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who sparked national turmoil last December by declaring martial law and sending troops to parliament. This move, quickly overturned by lawmakers, led to his historic impeachment. Now, with the economy struggling and global pressures mounting, voters face a critical choice between two starkly different visions for the country’s future.
The Candidates: Contrasting Paths
Frontrunner Lee Jae-myung (Democratic Party) survived an assassination attempt in 2024 and became a hero to many when he livestreamed himself scaling fences to stop Yoon’s martial law decree. The former factory worker turned lawyer wants to restart talks with nuclear-armed North Korea and strengthen economic ties with China. Though he promises job creation and AI industry growth, Lee faces multiple corruption trials – charges he calls “politically motivated.”
His rival, Kim Moon-soo (People Power Party), took an unusual path from anti-government activist to conservative minister. He advocates military buildup against North Korea, tax cuts for big businesses, and nuclear energy expansion. But his campaign has struggled with party divisions, and polls show him trailing Lee.
Urgent Challenges Ahead
Whoever wins inherits deep problems:
- Economic strain: U.S. tariffs imposed by President Trump have slashed exports, with Korean Air warning of $100 million losses. Youth unemployment is rising, and housing/childcare costs squeeze families.
- Security threats: North Korea’s advancing missiles and nuclear capabilities loom, while Trump’s potential troop withdrawal risks weakening the U.S. alliance that stations 30,000 soldiers in Korea.
- Social crises: Birth rates have plummeted as young people cite unaffordable childcare and workplace discrimination. Many voters, like 39-year-old Song Jeong-seok, feel politicians “only deny mistakes and attack each other.”
Election Day Unfolds
Turnout hit a record 65.5% by 2 p.m., reflecting high stakes. “My heart has been heavy since December,” said voter Kim Dong-wan. “I voted for my country.” Even coffee chains felt the tension Starbucks banned drink orders using candidate names after customers tried phrases like “Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol.” The chain stated it aimed to “maintain political neutrality.”
Scandal-Shadowed Legacy
South Korean presidencies often end dramatically:
- Current ex-leader Yoon faces life imprisonment for insurrection.
- His predecessor Park Geun-hye was jailed for corruption.
- Founding president Syngman Rhee fled to Hawaii after protests.
This history weighs heavily on voters. As mother Gu Yeong-hyang noted: “I didn’t expect to witness two impeachments.”
What Comes Next?
Results are expected overnight. The winner must immediately tackle Trump’s trade war, with talks stalled until now. Experts warn that delayed action could trigger a recession. Many also wonder: Can the new president heal political divisions? Past leaders’ failures suggest it won’t be easy, but today’s record turnout shows Koreans haven’t given up.
