Yoon Suk Yeol’s Martial Law Decision Triggered Political Chaos
South Koreans headed to the polls on 3 June 2025 in a dramatic snap presidential election after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office. Yoon was impeached for declaring martial law for six hours on 3 December 2024, citing vague threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea—a move that experts say was motivated more by political desperation than national security.
His removal has led to months of leadership instability and sparked major public protests. As per South Korean law, a snap election had to be held within 60 days after his impeachment was upheld by the constitutional court in April 2025.
Who Are the Main Candidates?
Early exit polls project a likely win for Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential race. A former factory worker turned human rights lawyer, Lee is seen as a populist champion of the working class. He pledges to create a “real Republic of Korea” based on fairness, jobs, and stability.
His main rival, Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), has promised economic growth and a pro-business approach to pull South Korea out of post-crisis uncertainty. Other candidates include Lee Jun-seok (New Reform Party), Kwon Young-guk (Democratic Labor Party), and independents Hwang Kyo-ahn and Song Jin-ho.
No Female Candidates This Time
Interestingly, this is the first South Korean presidential election in 18 years without a female candidate. While there were four women on the ballot in 2012, the 2025 race is dominated entirely by male candidates.
Key Election Issues: Security, Economy, and Birth Rate
The election comes amid serious domestic and geopolitical challenges:
- US Tariffs: President Donald Trump’s trade measures have impacted South Korean exports, triggering concern among manufacturers.
- North Korea: Despite a calmer 2025, 2024 was marked by high tensions and propaganda balloon warfare.
- China-US Tug-of-War: South Korea must juggle its economic dependency on China with its security alliance with the US.
- Population Crisis: With a fertility rate of 0.75, the lowest in the world, urgent demographic policy is needed.
When Will We Know the Results?
Voting took place from 06:00 to 20:00 KST (3 June), and the winner is expected to be announced early Wednesday morning. In 2022, it took around nine hours for results to be confirmed, suggesting a final count by 4-5 AM KST.
Yoon Suk Yeol’s Future: Trials and Legal Trouble
Yoon, now a private citizen, faces trial for insurrection. In January, he made history as the first sitting president arrested in South Korea, though he was released on a legal technicality. He is also under indictment for abuse of power. Yoon recently quit the PPP, which analysts say was an attempt to give Kim Moon-soo a better chance at winning.
Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads
This election is not just about replacing a disgraced leader—it’s about restoring stability in one of Asia’s most vibrant democracies. As South Koreans await the results, all eyes are on whether Lee Jae-myung’s promises of justice and fairness will prevail, or if economic pragmatism under Kim Moon-soo will win the day.
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