South Korea’s 2025 Presidential Election – Explained for the World

 South Korea's 2025 presidential election—triggered by an impeachment—is a turning point for Asia's democracy. Explore the key candidates, overseas voting, debates, and why the world is watching.

Introduction: Why the World Should Care

When you think of pivotal elections in 2025, you might imagine the U.S. or the EU. But this summer, all eyes should be on South Korea. On June 3, 2025, the country will hold its 21st presidential election—not a regular one, but a high-stakes vote brought on by the impeachment and resignation of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Nicknamed the “Rose Election” (because it blooms in June), this vote isn’t just about choosing a new leader. It’s about trust, generational change, and what democracy looks like under pressure in one of Asia’s most technologically advanced nations.

Table of Contents

• 1. What Makes This Election So Unusual?
• 2. Who’s Running? The Main Candidates
• 3. Korean Voters Get Election Booklets by Mail
• 4. Election Calendar You Should Know
• 5. Televised Debates: Mandatory and Viral
• 6. What Issues Are Driving This Election?
• 7. Why This Election Has Global Impact
• 8. Special Features: What Makes Korea’s Elections Unique
• 9. Overseas Voting: How It Works
• FAQ: Quick Guide for International Readers
• Final Thoughts

1. What Makes This Election So Unusual?

Most South Korean presidential elections happen in March, and presidents serve a single five-year term with no re-election.

But 2025 is different. After President Yoon was impeached over corruption and abuse of power allegations, the country had to organize a snap election within 60 days.

The ballot numbers are also unusual. Candidates are normally numbered 1 to 8. This year:

• Ballot #3 is vacant – no nominee from the Cho Kuk Innovation Party.
• Ballot #6 was vacated after Gu Ju-wa withdrew on May 18.

2. Who’s Running? The Main Candidates

Ballot No.	Candidate	Party	Notable Facts
1	Lee Jae-myung	Democratic Party	Former Gyeonggi governor, economic populist
2	Kim Moon-soo	People Power Party	Labor activist-turned-conservative
4	Lee Jun-seok	Reform Party	Youngest candidate, influencer-style campaigner
5	Kwon Young-guk	Labor Party	Progressive civil rights lawyer
7	Hwang Kyo-ahn	Independent	Former Acting President
8	Song Jin-ho	Independent	NGO leader, digital finance advocate

3. Korean Voters Get Election Booklets by Mail

Korean voters receive physical booklets that include:

• Candidate policy platforms
• Military service records (sensitive and mandatory)
• Criminal records
• Asset disclosures

Military service is a particularly critical issue, seen as a symbol of national duty and trustworthiness. Skipping it without valid reason often leads to public backlash.

4. Election Calendar You Should Know

• May 29–30: Early Voting (6 AM–6 PM)
• June 3: Main Election Day (6 AM–8 PM)
• June 4: President Inaugurated (no transition delay)

5. Televised Debates: Mandatory and Viral

Korean law requires fair and balanced national debates for major candidates. The debates are broadcast live and heavily watched online.

Date	Network	Topic
May 18	SBS	Economy and Public Welfare
May 19	SBS (Late)	Minor Candidate Debate
May 23	KBS	Social Unity
May 27	MBC	Political Reform

6. What Issues Are Driving This Election?

• Rising Costs: Housing and daily necessities are increasingly unaffordable.
• Youth Discontent: Younger generations demand real reform, not slogans.
• Security Jitters: China’s assertiveness and North Korea’s provocations dominate foreign policy talk.
• Institutional Trust: Repeated impeachments have shaken faith in Korea’s democratic institutions.

7. Why This Election Has Global Impact

South Korea is often seen as Asia’s most advanced democracy. The 2025 election could set new standards for how democracies adapt under crisis.

• Potential generational turnover in leadership
• Recovery from political scandal through transparent process
• Implications for regional stability in East Asia

8. Special Features: What Makes Korea’s Elections Unique

• One-Day Transition: President takes office the day after the election.
• Fixed Ballot Numbers: Assigned early and consistently used throughout campaigns.
• Mandatory Debates: National debates with legal participation requirements.
• Silence Day: Campaigning is banned the day before the vote.
• Booklets with Sensitive Disclosures: Military service and wealth records included.
• Regional Voting Loyalty: Strong regional political identities influence turnout.

9. Overseas Voting: How It Works

Between May 20 and 25, Koreans abroad can vote in one of 223 overseas polling stations located in 118 countries.

• Voting time: 8 AM – 5 PM (local time)
• Required ID: Korean government-issued photo ID or valid foreign government ID with photo and birthdate
• For non-resident Koreans: Additional nationality verification documents are required

Important: Candidate Gu Ju-wa (Ballot No. 6) withdrew on May 18. However, his name remains on overseas ballots and votes cast for him will be invalid.

Newly added polling countries include: Cuba, Luxembourg, Lithuania, and Estonia.

For more info: ok.nec.go.kr and ova.nec.go.kr

FAQ: Quick Guide for International Readers

Q1: Why was the president impeached?
A: Abuse of power and corruption allegations led to President Yoon’s resignation.

Q2: Who’s the favorite to win?
A: Lee Jae-myung leads, but younger candidates like Lee Jun-seok are gaining attention.

Q3: Can independents win?
A: Rarely, but current disillusionment could make it possible in 2025.

Q4: Is voting mandatory in Korea?
A: No. But turnout typically exceeds 70%.

Final Thoughts

South Korea’s 2025 election isn’t just about choosing a president. It’s about rebuilding trust, embracing youth, and proving that democratic institutions can survive even the toughest stress tests. Stay tuned.

From Seoul to the world—this Rose Election may just bloom with unexpected change.