This election, held two years ahead of the originally scheduled 2027 vote, was necessitated by Yoon’s ouster following his declaration of martial law in December 2024, which was widely condemned and eventually led to his impeachment by the National Assembly and removal by the Constitutional Court in April 2025read more
South Korea will conduct a snap presidential election on June 3, 2025, following the impeachment and dismissal of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
This election, held two years ahead of the originally scheduled 2027 vote, was necessitated by Yoon’s ouster following his declaration of martial law in December 2024, which was widely condemned and eventually led to his impeachment by the National Assembly and removal by the Constitutional Court in April 2025.
South Korea’s constitution requires a fresh presidential election within 60 days following a permanent vacancy in the President. As a result, the administration set June 3 as the election date.
Early voting commenced on May 29 and concluded on May 30, with a record turnout of over 12 million voters—more than a quarter of South Korea’s 44.3 million eligible voters.
The main contenders in this election are:
Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, a former governor and labor activist.
Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, a former conservative minister.
Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party.
The outcome of this election is expected to have significant implications for South Korea’s domestic policies and international relations, particularly concerning its ties with the United States, China, and North Korea.