When South Korea holds its presidential election, it marks the end of political turmoil following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol due to a controversial martial law declaration. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party, is leading in polls and expected to win after Yoon’s party’s declining support due to his government’s actions. Voter turnout has been high as citizens seek to restore stability.
Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the previous election, has capitalized on public dissatisfaction with the conservative People Power Party. His support stems more from a backlash against Yoon than from strong enthusiasm for his policies. Lee’s campaign has seen him move to the center and he is viewed as more open to China and North Korea while being less favorable towards Japan. This shift may affect the U.S.-South Korea relationship, which was firmly pro-U.S. under Yoon.
Despite potential frictions, Lee has expressed support for the U.S. alliance and has initiated dialogue with the Trump administration. He is particularly focused on renegotiating unfavorable tariffs that have impacted South Korea’s economy.
Lee faces a challenging landscape with an assertive North Korea, keen to advance its nuclear capabilities while engaging in less dialogue than in previous years. Reports indicate that U.S. troop levels in South Korea might be reconsidered, raising concerns about the future of the alliance.
The election results could thus reshape not only South Korea’s domestic policies but also its international relations, balancing between U.S. interests and engagement with neighboring powers.
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