As South Korea’s snap election comes closer, the final opinion poll showed that Lee Jae-myung, a liberal frontrunner, is currently on the lead ahead of rival conservative Kim Moon-soo, by 14 percentage points.
According to the Gallup Korea poll, Lee from The Democratic Party had a public support at the rate of 49% while Kim from the People Power Party only had 35%. Although still behind, Kim’s popularity has been growing. Back in May 12, his support was 20 percentage points behind Lee’s.
Whoever wins this snap election on June 3 will have a responsibility of recovering South Korea’s reputation as democratic nation, dealing with North Korea, and handling negotiation with the U.S. President Donald Trump for a lower tariff rate. The people’s concern over the tariff and political issue has stalled the nation’s exports and consumption.
Lee, who is currently ahead at the poll, aims to use fiscal policy to support the economy and promises to go after everyone who was part of December’s martial law. As for Kim, he promised to impose business-friendly policies and vow a tough stance against its northern neighbor.
Kim also tried to convince Lee Jun-seok, New Reform Party’s candidate that currently has 11% support rating, to drop out and back him up. Although he failed, he received support from Lee Nak-yon, a former prime minister who currently led the New Future Democratic Party that split from the Democratic Party instead.
Choi Jin, director of the Seoul-based Presidential Leadership Institute, stated that it is unclear whether Lee will make a mistake first or Kim will pull something successfully first. Starting tomorrow, South Korea will begin the polling ban until the election is over.
