South Korea’s Snap Election: A Nation Seeks Stability

SEOUL, June 3, 2025 — South Koreans headed to the polls on Tuesday to choose a new president in a snap election prompted by the dramatic removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, according to the sources. The vote follows a turbulent six months sparked by Yoon’s brief attempt to impose martial law in December, which led to his impeachment and ouster.

Millions of voters are participating in the election, driven by widespread frustration with the conservative leadership after Yoon’s failed martial law bid. Lee Jae-myung, the liberal Democratic Party candidate, is favored to win, capitalizing on public discontent. Lee, who spearheaded the parliamentary push to remove Yoon, has labeled the election a “judgment day” for the conservative People Power Party, accusing them of enabling Yoon’s actions.

The winning candidate will be sworn in on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, for a full five-year term, bypassing the usual two-month transition period. The new president will face pressing challenges, including a sluggish economy, the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s America-first policies, and growing nuclear threats from North Korea.

Yoon, now facing a high-stakes trial on rebellion charges, briefly imposed martial law in December, a move that shook South Korea’s democratic reputation. The crisis has left the nation polarized, with voters hoping the election will restore stability.