Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Presidential election to be held within 2 months
Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, speaks to reporters at the National Assembly in Seoul, Friday, after the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of impeaching President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
Lee Jae-myung expected to emerge as leading contender amid confusion within ruling camp
Following the Constitutional Court’s verdict that ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol from office on Friday, the nation has been left in search of a new leader.
By law, the next presidential election must be held within 60 days to fill the vacant post. Acting President Han Duck-soo is required to announce the date within 10 days.
According to the National Election Commission, the voting date can be set between May 24 and June 3. Given that the 2017 presidential election was held exactly 60 days after the ousting of former President Park Geun-hye, June 3 is likely to be the voting day.
The acting president said he will ensure the stable management of state affairs while preparing for the upcoming presidential election. On Friday, he spoke with Roh Tae-ak, chairman of the election commission, by phone regarding the matter.
Parties that wish to participate in the election must determine and register their candidates by May 11, a day before the official campaign period launches. Those currently serving as local office chiefs have to resign by May 4 if they want to join the race.
There is little question that Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, will be its candidate. In every poll, he leads his rivals, such as Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon and former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, by a seemingly insurmountable margin.
His biggest electoral risk was 11 criminal charges brought against him. The most urgent risk was largely cleared on March 26 when the Seoul High Court found him not guilty of violating the election law. Although the prosecution appealed the ruling, the Supreme Court is not expected to issue a verdict on that charge or any others before the voting day. If Lee wins the upcoming election, all five trials he is currently standing are expected to be halted, experts say.
Nevertheless, Kim and other contenders from minor factions within the party are expected to challenge Lee should it hold a primary.
Former People Power Party Chairman Han Dong-hoon walks with President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, in this July 24, 2024, file photo. Han is one of the potential contenders for the next presidential election. Yonhap
Meanwhile, the People Power Party (PPP) faces a far murkier future. There is no clear leader in the pool of potential contenders, with the ruling party remaining divided following Yoon's impeachment by the National Assembly in December.
Among the potential contenders, Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo is leading in most polls. But the margin is not as significant. His hardline stance on some political issues and ardent support for Yoon during the impeachment crisis were some of the main reasons for his popularity among party members. With Yoon now ousted as a result of his political and legal failures, Kim’s appeal as a presidential candidate may subside as party members seek to find a more moderate contender with a better chance.
Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo is one of those contenders. The day before the impeachment ruling, he appeared on a radio program in which he said he was the only conservative candidate who can beat Lee in the presidential election, adding that most others lack what it takes to win over moderate voters.
Another possible contender is Han Dong-hoon, a former party chairman who later came into conflict with Yoon and led several of its lawmakers by calling on party members to vote for his impeachment. Han, who served as justice minister under Yoon, had been the most popular figure among conservatives before their political division.
Yet it remains to be seen whether Han will be able to overcome the resentment shared among hardline conservatives over his decision to join forces to oust Yoon.
Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, another presidential hopeful, is reportedly preparing to announce his candidacy in the coming days. In a social media post on Thursday, he stated that his book, which outlines his vision for the country, will soon be published.
Kweon Seong-dong, the PPP's floor leader, urged all members to unite for a race in which they "must not be defeated," in a message released after the impeachment ruling.
Later in the day, the election commission announced that it had officially begun the registration process for election contenders. Those wishing to participate are required to submit documents containing personal information, including family relations, criminal records, and academic credentials, as well as a trust deposit of 60 million won ($41,000).