South Korea witnessed an unprecedented surge in early voting on Thursday as citizens flocked to polling stations ahead of the June 3 snap presidential election. This surge follows months of political chaos and leadership vacuum caused by the controversial ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over a failed attempt to declare martial law.
According to the National Election Commission, nearly 8.7 million voters, representing 19.6% of eligible voters, had already cast their ballots by 6 p.m. — the highest early turnout ever recorded for a presidential election. This marks a significant rise compared to the 17.6% early turnout in the 2022 vote.
The election has become a battleground of ideologies and promises, with leading candidates urging voters to back their visions for a better Korea. At the forefront is Lee Jae-myung, candidate for the liberal Democratic Party and the frontrunner in polls before a pre-election opinion poll blackout. Lee cast his vote in Seoul, surrounded by young voters in a vibrant university district.
“In order to overcome this national crisis and rebuild Korea into a country of recovery and growth, I urge everyone to vote,” Lee said, emphasizing hope and reform.
Amid the political heat, economic anxieties loom. The Bank of Korea cut interest rates earlier on Thursday and sharply reduced its 2025 economic growth forecast from 1.5% to just 0.8%, signaling financial turbulence in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
Lee has proposed bold reforms, including the creation of a Ministry of Climate and Energy to combat climate change and revamping the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to ensure fairness without reverse discrimination.
On the other end of the political spectrum stands Kim Moon-soo, the conservative People Power Party candidate. After voting, Kim declared, “Without voting, there is no hope for the country.” He warned that a victory for Lee could lead to diminished freedoms due to his party’s strong grip on parliament.
Trailing behind in third is Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party, polling at 11% before the blackout period. Despite pressure to withdraw and support Kim to strengthen the conservative front, Lee Jun-seok remains in the race.
The results of this election could redefine South Korea’s political future. With over 44.39 million eligible voters, the early voting momentum indicates a highly engaged electorate determined to shape the country’s next chapter.
Early voting continues through Friday. Whether South Korea chooses progressive reform or conservative stability, one thing is clear — citizens are eager to take control of their democracy at a time of critical national decisions.
