The Lee Jae-myung South Korea election campaign has taken a dramatic turn following the country’s unprecedented constitutional crisis. Once beset by legal scandals and a fading political brand, the Democratic Party leader is now the frontrunner in South Korea’s 3 June presidential election—thanks in part to the fallout from former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law declaration.
A Crisis That Reshaped the Race
On 3 December 2024, Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to invoke martial law triggered widespread civil unrest and institutional backlash. His aim was to eliminate so-called “anti-state forces” and alleged North Korea sympathisers. Instead, the move backfired—sparking mass protests and an eventual impeachment upheld by the Constitutional Court on 4 April 2025.
In the chaos, Lee Jae-myung emerged as the opposition’s steadying force. He urged the public to resist Yoon’s actions, personally joined the protests, and helped push through a resolution to end martial law by scaling the National Assembly fence himself.
The Outsider Turned Frontrunner
Before this reversal, Lee Jae-myung faced numerous roadblocks in his second presidential bid, including convictions, corruption probes, and intense public scrutiny. In 2022, he lost the presidential race by just 0.76 percentage points. A conviction for making false statements during that campaign initially seemed to bar him from political recovery.
However, Lee’s gritty personal story—rising from child factory laborer to human rights lawyer and politician—has resonated with South Korea’s working class. His uncompromising reformist stance, including pledges for universal basic income, continues to divide voters, but has built a fiercely loyal base.
From Mayorship to National Stage
Lee first entered politics in 2005, joined the Uri Party, and became mayor of Seongnam in 2010. He later governed Gyeonggi Province, where he gained praise for his Covid-19 relief efforts. His insistence on universal welfare grants clashed with central authorities but won him national attention.
Following his 2022 presidential loss, Lee assumed leadership of the Democratic Party. Though he initially toned down his rhetoric, he remained vocal on welfare, corruption, and historical justice issues—solidifying his standing among progressives and disenfranchised voters.
Legal Clouds Still Loom
The Lee Jae-myung South Korea election bid is far from free of controversy. Legal threats persist, including:
- A high-profile land development scandal tied to charges of bribery, corruption, and breach of trust.
- A conviction for allegedly lying about his connection to Kim Moon-ki, a central figure in the scandal who died by suicide in 2021.
Lee was handed a suspended prison sentence, which could disqualify him from public office for five years if upheld. Although an appeals court temporarily cleared him, South Korea’s Supreme Court later reversed the acquittal. The case remains unresolved, with proceedings postponed until after the election.
Assassination Attempt and Security Concerns
Lee’s campaign has also been shaped by an assassination attempt in January 2024. Stabbed in the neck by an attacker in Busan, Lee required surgery for a jugular injury. The assailant, who sought to prevent Lee from becoming president, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Now, Lee campaigns behind bulletproof glass, wears a ballistic vest, and is surrounded by security agents. The attack spotlighted rising political polarization in South Korea and intensified concerns over safety in public office.
Read: Taiwan President Warns Against Indulging Aggressors
Democratic Party’s Strategic Shift
In April 2025, Lee resigned as Democratic Party leader to launch his full presidential campaign. He won the party’s primary with overwhelming support on 27 April, positioning himself as the official candidate.
His rise comes as the ruling People Power Party (PPP) remains fractured following Yoon’s downfall. With the PPP struggling to field a strong successor, Lee’s path to power is clearer than ever—provided the courts do not disqualify him before election day.
Looking Ahead
The Lee Jae-myung South Korea election campaign is poised to reshape the nation’s political landscape. While his legal status remains uncertain, the possibility that he could win the presidency before a final verdict raises unprecedented constitutional questions.
Should Lee be convicted after taking office, South Korea could face another round of legal and political drama. Either way, the next chapter of Lee’s turbulent journey will unfold under intense domestic and international scrutiny.
For additional context, read our breakdown on the political downfall of Yoon Suk Yeol.
