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2w ago

South Korea's Presidential Campaign Begins Following Conservative Party Turmoil

Kim Moon-soo formally launches his bid as the People Power Party's candidate after intraparty strife, with polls showing liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung maintaining a commanding lead.

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Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Lee Ju-ho attends a meeting of the task force for strategies of economic security at the government complex in Seoul on May 7, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (L) hugs People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo during their meeting in Seoul on May 11, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • Kim Moon-soo was reinstated as the People Power Party's presidential candidate after members voted against replacing him with Han Duck-soo, ending a contentious internal dispute.
  • Kim officially registered his candidacy on May 11, meeting the election commission's deadline, and launched his campaign with a focus on economic revival and conservative unity.
  • The June 3 snap presidential election was triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his failed martial law declaration in December 2024.
  • Opinion polls show Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung leading with 52.1% support compared to Kim's 31.1%, emphasizing the challenge ahead for the conservative bloc.
  • Interim PPP leader Kwon Young-se resigned following the failed attempt to unify the conservative vote, highlighting ongoing leadership challenges within the party.