Lee Jae-myung Leads in Tight South Korea Election Race Ahead of June 3 Vote

Liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung is leading South Korea’s presidential race with 49% support, ahead of conservative rival Kim Moon-soo at 35%, according to a new Gallup Korea poll. The survey comes just days before the June 3 snap election, triggered by the impeachment and ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over a failed martial law attempt. Yoon now faces insurrection charges.

The race, once a blowout, has narrowed significantly. Kim, of the People Power Party and former hardline labor minister, has gained ground but still trails Lee by double digits. Attempts to unite the right by securing the support of third-party New Reform candidate Lee Jun-seok, polling at 11%, have so far failed.

Lee, representing the Democratic Party, has pledged aggressive fiscal policy to revive the economy and vowed legal action against those involved in Yoon’s unconstitutional moves. His campaign has gained momentum amid public fatigue with political instability and economic contraction—Asia’s fourth-largest economy shrank in Q1 due to weak exports and domestic consumption.

Kim, in contrast, promotes pro-business deregulation, investment incentives, and a tougher stance on North Korea, hoping to appeal to centrist voters. However, divisions within the liberal camp also surfaced, with former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon endorsing Kim, criticizing Lee Jae-myung’s leadership style.

South Korea remains locked in tariff negotiations with the U.S., as President Donald Trump’s trade policies weigh heavily on Seoul’s economy. With polls now entering a mandatory blackout period, analysts say only a major surprise could alter the current trajectory of the race, which Lee is widely favored to win.

Political stability, economic recovery, and North Korea relations are top voter concerns in this pivotal election.