South Korea’s top presidential candidates held major rallies on Sunday, just two days ahead of a snap election triggered by the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his controversial imposition of martial law last December.
The June 3 vote marks the culmination of months of political upheaval. Liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung is leading the race, with a recent Gallup poll showing 49 percent support, ahead of conservative rival Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP), who polled at 35 percent.
Lee, 60, launched his Sunday campaign in his southeastern hometown of Andong, vowing to decentralize development from the Seoul metropolitan area and offer greater support to regional economies. “We must go beyond equal development and offer more incentives to non-Seoul regions,” he said, addressing supporters while wearing a bulletproof vest.
Security around Lee has been heightened since he survived a stabbing attack in January 2024 by a man who claimed he wanted to stop him from becoming president. Bulletproof shields were also erected at Sunday’s rally, and Lee is expected to campaign in Busan later in the day.
Meanwhile, Kim Moon-soo began his day in Suwon, near Seoul, and used his opponent’s security precautions to criticize him. “I’m not wearing a bulletproof vest, but Lee is hiding behind shields,” he said. “These bulletproof measures show his intention to rule with an iron fist. We must stop him.”
According to the National Election Commission, nearly 35 percent of registered voters have already cast their ballots during two days of early voting last week.
AFP
