Latest news with #LeeJae-myung
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First Post
an hour ago
- Politics
- First Post
South Korea's Presidential election: What's at stake
Following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol in April, after his unconstitutional declaration of martial law, the election has become a referendum on the future of South Korea's democracy read more South Korea's presidential candidates Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party shakes hands with Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party prepare for the second televised debate for the upcoming presidential election in Seoul, South Korea. Reuters As South Koreans prepare to vote in a snap presidential election on June 3, the stakes extend far beyond choosing the country's next leader. Following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol in April, after his unconstitutional declaration of martial law, the election has become a referendum on the future of South Korea's democracy. Political stability Constitutional reform is at the heart of South Korea's political debate. Both leading presidential candidates, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, support replacing the current single five-year term with two four-year terms to strengthen executive accountability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The urgency follows President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment after he declared martial law, citing 'anti-state forces' in the opposition-controlled parliament. Widely seen as executive overreach, the move has sparked calls for stronger checks on presidential power. Lee Jae-myung has proposed further reforms, including a requirement for parliamentary approval within 24 hours of any martial law declaration, to ensure democratic oversight. Economic growth and stability South Korea's economy is grappling with rapid automation, the rise of artificial intelligence, and a widening gap between high-skilled and low-skilled jobs. These trends have destabilized the middle class, particularly among the youth, leading to mounting concerns over job security and economic opportunity. With high youth unemployment and growing discontent among job seekers, especially those avoiding low-paid positions in small and medium-sized enterprises, the economy is a top concern for voters. Both major candidates have pledged to revitalize the economy but differ on strategies—Lee favours innovation and inclusive growth, while Kim emphasizes business-led expansion. Relations with North Korea The next president will be tasked with recalibrating the nation's long-standing policy on North Korea. Lee advocates for a more moderate approach, including diplomatic engagement and dialogue with Pyongyang. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also supports improving ties with China and Russia, while maintaining a stable alliance with the United States. By contrast, conservative voices call for a firmer stance toward the North, focusing on deterrence and military readiness. How the next president approaches inter-Korean relations could shape peace and stability on the peninsula. Regional and geopolitical tensions South Korea finds itself navigating increasingly complex geopolitical dynamics amid rising tensions between the US and China. Strategic decisions on trade, security, and diplomacy, particularly regarding military cooperation and semiconductor exports, are under global scrutiny. The election will likely determine whether South Korea leans more heavily into its alliance with Washington or seeks a more balanced diplomatic approach in the region. Yoon's relationship between Japan and South Korea was reasonably peaceful and forward-looking, in contrast to his Democratic Party predecessor, Moon Jae-in. As the current campaigns come to an end, Lee, also from the Democratic Party, has a high chance of becoming the next president. Tokyo is concerned that under Lee, relations may worsen once further, particularly if the new government emphasises the horrific history of Japan's colonial control and wartime crimes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Social divisions Cultural shifts and the growing visibility of gender equality movements have led to stark generational and ideological divides. Young men, frustrated by job competition and mandatory military service, have shown increasing support for conservative candidates and anti-feminist rhetoric. Meanwhile, young women are turning toward progressive politics, supporting gender reform and social justice. These divergent views have formed opposing political coalitions, making gender politics a defining factor in the election. The divide has already reshaped the political landscape, including the historic election of a record number of female lawmakers in 2024. Demographic challenges South Korea's aging population and record-low fertility rate, the lowest in the OECD, have exposed major shortcomings in the country's welfare and care systems. Women, who often carry the burden of unpaid elder and child care, are demanding policy solutions that support work-life balance and gender equity. Candidates are under pressure to address these systemic issues, which are key to long-term social and economic sustainability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The real question in this election is not just who wins, but what kind of democracy South Korea will choose for its future. Will the country continue to concentrate power in the presidency, or will new, inclusive coalitions reshape the democratic framework? As South Korea stands at a political crossroads, the June 3 election could define not only the next presidency, but the very fabric of its democracy.
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First Post
4 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
Youth unemployment: A decisive factor in the upcoming election in South Korea
With their economic future at stake, young South Koreans are becoming a decisive voting bloc in this snap election read more A man walks past banners showing South Korea's presidential candidates displayed along a wall ahead of the upcoming June 3 election in Seoul. AFP As South Korea heads into a pivotal presidential election on June 3, youth unemployment has emerged as one of the most pressing and divisive issues on the campaign trail, highlighting deep economic concerns and a widening social divide. The youth unemployment rate hit 5.9% in December 2024 and is projected to rise to 6.3% by mid-2025. While the numbers may seem moderate, they reveal deeper problems. The employment rate for South Koreans aged 15 to 29 fell to 44.8% in January 2025, with 218,000 jobs lost—the steepest drop in four years. Many of those who are employed work in ultra-short-term or unstable jobs, and nearly 30% of PhD holders under 30 remain jobless, signaling a mismatch between education and job market needs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Young voters could sway the outcome With their economic future at stake, young South Koreans are becoming a decisive voting bloc in this snap election. Each major candidate has taken a different approach: Lee Jae-myung (Democratic Party) promises to create new job opportunities through investments in artificial intelligence and Korea's cultural wave, including music and entertainment. Kim Moon-soo (People Power Party) has focused more on business-friendly policies and foreign relations, offering fewer direct solutions for youth unemployment. Lee Jun-seok (Reform Party) has gained traction among young male voters by vowing to abolish the gender ministry and address what he calls 'reverse discrimination' in the workplace. A sharp gender divide The youth vote is also deeply split by gender. Many young men back conservative candidates, voicing frustrations over mandatory military service and job competition. Meanwhile, young women are leaning toward progressive policies and gender equality, resisting what they see as growing misogyny in politics. This gender divide mirrors global patterns, where younger men are increasingly drawn to right-wing politics, while younger women align with progressive causes. Why aren't young people taking jobs? Despite the unemployment crisis, many young South Koreans are reluctant to work for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), citing lower wages, fewer benefits, and less social prestige. In 2024, only 30.9% of SME employees were in their 20s and 30s, a sharp drop from 47.7% in 2003. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Local governments step in In the absence of comprehensive national reforms, local governments are taking action: Busan allocated 75.2 billion won to job training and career support. Gwangju is connecting young job seekers with local employers and offering job-seeking allowances. Cheonan invested 2 billion won in youth employment programs. These efforts aim to improve job matching, provide training, and reduce the economic strain on young people. As voters head to the polls, youth unemployment remains one of the most urgent challenges—and could very well shape the direction of South Korea's future.
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First Post
6 hours ago
- Business
- First Post
South Korea's presidential election: A look at the pivotal issues
This election, prompted by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024, is set to redefine the country's political landscape read more A South Korean soldier casts his early vote for the upcoming presidential election at a polling station in Seoul, South Korea. Reuters As South Korea approaches its snap presidential election on June 3, the nation grapples with a complex mix of domestic and international challenges. This election, prompted by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol following his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024, is set to redefine the country's political landscape. Restoring democratic stability The abrupt removal of President Yoon has intensified political polarisation. Leading candidate Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party has proposed constitutional amendments to prevent future abuses of power, such as requiring parliamentary approval within 24 hours for any declaration of martial law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His approach aims to fortify democratic institutions and restore public trust. Economic recovery amid global pressures South Korea's economy faces headwinds from global trade tensions and domestic challenges. The Bank of Korea recently cut its benchmark interest rate to 2.50% to stimulate growth, amid concerns over US tariffs and a slowdown in exports. Candidates are focusing on policies to address youth unemployment, housing affordability, and income inequality. Foreign Policy Reorientation The election outcome could significantly impact South Korea's foreign relations . Lee Jae-myung advocates for a balanced approach, maintaining strong ties with the US while engaging diplomatically with North Korea and improving relations with China and Russia. His stance reflects a shift towards pragmatic diplomacy in a complex geopolitical environment. Social issues and youth engagement Social policies, particularly those affecting younger demographics, are central to the election discourse. Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party has gained attention with his proposals to dismantle the gender ministry, arguing against what he perceives as 'reverse discrimination.' His platform resonates with certain segments of the youth, highlighting generational divides on issues of gender and equality. Urban development and decentralization Lee Jae-myung has proposed relocating the nation's administrative capital from Seoul to Sejong City to promote balanced regional development and reduce congestion in the capital. This move aims to decentralize political power and stimulate growth in other regions. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the election's outcome will shape South Korea's trajectory on multiple fronts, from democratic governance and economic policy to foreign relations and social cohesion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The Star
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
K-Pop and breakdance power South Korean high-stakes presidential race
Dancers perform ahead of Lee Jae-myung's campaign event in Incheon on May 21. - Bloomberg SEOUL: In South Korea's high-stakes presidential campaign, K-pop isn't just a cultural backdrop - it's a political strategy. Both major parties are leaning on Korean pop hits to energise voters, blending choreography and catchy lyrics with political messaging. Among the favourites at campaign rallies: Kim Jong-kook's Lovable and Young Tak's Next Door Oppa, are now fixtures in events across the country. But unlike the last US presidential election, where Kamala Harris secured endorsements from Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, South Korean artists have shied away from direct campaigning, which risks alienating fans. The opposition Democratic Party has deployed a 48-member "Shouting Korea' team, which travels nationwide in mobile units designed to create festive, street-level rallies. Their goal is to produce crowd-friendly events using choreography and classic Korean pop songs before and after the party nominee Lee Jae-myung takes the stage. The conservative People Power Party has taken a similar approach, with candidate Kim Moon-soo's campaign team choosing retro hits like Lovable, over songs by current idols. "Kim's frequent use of heart gestures inspired us to highlight a 'lovable' image, playing on the song's message to enhance his public appeal,' Kim Dong-hwan, a PPP campaign official, said. South Koreans head to the polls Tuesday (June 10) after six months of political turmoil, hoping a new leader can begin to heal a fractured nation. The snap vote comes after impeached former President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed by the Constitutional Court in April for his abrupt decision to declare martial law. The state of the economy and fighting US President Donald Trump's tariffs are among the hot topics for voters, according to recent opinion surveys. Lee had 49 per cent support while Kim trailed with 36 per cent in a survey of 1,005 people commissioned by local media News 1 and released this week. "This election follows a period of martial law and impeachment,' said Kim Dae-young, a Democratic Party official. "There were debates about including strong political messages, but we decided instead to build a space where people could gather naturally - through music, dance, and video.' The campaign's setlist draws heavily on late-1990s and early-2000s pop acts chosen for their energy and broad appeal. They include Koyote's Pure Love, from 1999, diva Uhm Jung-hwa's Festival from the same year. Professional dancer Yim Young-hwan, who was hired by the liberal party to join the campaign, has choreographed several of the performances. The dance routines are deliberately simple, with occasional flourishes to grab attention, and to make it easy for people to follow. "We wanted people to say, 'Wow,' when they saw us,' Yim said. Lyrics are often adapted to highlight the candidate's character or policy goals. And choosing older tracks instead of licensing new idol music from the big K-pop companies such as SM Entertainment Inc. and Hybe Co. reduces costs, according to Kim, the PPP campaign official. Licensing fees per song could reach around three million won (US$2,170) to tens of million won, depending on its popularity. While TV and radio still play a role, Kim noted that digital content now dominates political engagement. Candidate Kim has appeared on major YouTube shows and launched a dedicated channel featuring a 13-song playlist to court online audiences. Yet despite the digital pivot, the energy of in-person street performances still resonates with many voters. "When young people perform like this, it lifts the older generation's spirits,' said Lee Soo-young, a Seoul resident, who joined Lee's campaign. - Bloomberg
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Millions flock to vote early; record-high turnout expected
Two days of early voting for South Korea's next president kicked off, as millions of people — along with the presidential candidates themselves — cast their votes Thursday, with advance voting turnout numbers projected to be higher than in any previous election. According to the National Election Commission, voter turnout on the first day of voting came to 19.68 percent Thursday, with 3,568 polling stations having opened nationwide at 6 a.m. and closed at 6 p.m. Thursday. It was the highest first-day figure out of all elections since South Korea's introduction of early voting for presidential elections in 2014. This means about 8.69 million people out of 44.4 million eligible voters nationwide chose to go to a polling station on the first day of early voting, instead of Election Day on Tuesday next week. By region, the southwestern region of the North and South Jeolla provinces and Gwangju — the main liberal stronghold — showed the highest turnout. Early voting turnout for the last presidential election in 2022 amounted to 36.9 percent, up by more than 10 percentage points from the 2017 election. Politicians, including presidential candidates, took part in early voting Thursday and encouraged others to cast their votes as well. The Democratic Party of Korea's Rep. Lee Jae-myung, the clear front-runner in the race, cast his vote Thursday in the Sinchon-dong neighborhood of Seodaemun-gu, western Seoul. Lee voted alongside voters in their early 20s, according to the main liberal party. Lee's wife Kim Hye-kyung did not accompany him, as she voted separately in Busan. Lee, 60, who has polled far ahead of the five other candidates, expressed the hope that the June election could make South Korea "return to the era of the young generation," while emphasizing people's participation in voting could help "overcome the crisis due to an insurrection," as he met with reporters after voting. Kim Moon-soo, presidential candidate of the major conservative People Power Party, went to the polling station with his daughter in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon — the constituency of his main rival, Rep. Lee Jae-myung. After voting, Kim, 73, expressed confidence in a come-from-behind victory, despite significantly lagging Lee in polls throughout the campaigning period. Rep. Lee Jun-seok of the minor conservative New Reform Party visited his home turf of the Dongtan neighborhood, a residential area in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. He represents the Hwaseong-B constituency, which he won in a surprise upset that defied the polls in the 2024 general election. Lee, 40, said he envisioned a "generational transition" in South Korean politics. Kwon Young-gook, 61, the candidate of the progressive Democratic Labor Party, voted in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province. There he raised concerns about the climate crisis and called for a broad shift to low-carbon production. Yeosu is home to an industrial complex dedicated to petrochemicals and steel. Alongside the top four presidential candidates, acting President and Education Minister Lee Ju-ho also went to a polling station in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Thursday morning. Lee has served as the acting president since May 2. Those ahead of Lee in the line of presidential succession, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, resigned amid the ongoing political crisis after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally ousted in April for his brief imposition of martial law in December. Also joining the wave of early in-person voting were former Presidents Moon Jae-in and Park Geun-hye. Casting his vote with his wife in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, Moon told reporters that people "should remember why the early election came into being," adding they must hold his successor Yoon accountable for "failure in handling state affairs and his acts of insurrection." Moon was the liberal leader of the country from 2017 to 2022 Park, who was also impeached and removed in 2017 due to a broad corruption scandal, cast her vote in Daegu near her residence. Park urged more people to vote as she met with reporters, downplaying concerns of election rigging in early voting. However, she declined to comment on the conservative candidates' failure to unite ahead of the election. Voting in the June 3 election kicked off with overseas voting earlier in May, as election authorities' preliminary data showed that eligible turnout approached 80 percent, with 205,268 people having already voted overseas. For the 2022 election, total voter turnout amounted to 77.1 percent.
