With South Koreaās presidential election less than two weeks away, the stakes couldnāt be higher for a nation at a critical crossroads. Since former president Yoon Suk-yeolās impeachment for declaring martial law in December, the country desperately needs leadership to restore domestic stability and navigate increasingly complex geopolitics.
Society remains deeply divided, with massive demonstrations that support or oppose Yoon. The political turmoil extends to the ruling People Power Party (PPP), which has repeatedly changed its presidential candidate. Recent polling shows opposition Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung leading with 49 per cent support, well ahead of the PPPās Kim Moon-soo, at 27 per cent.
While Leeās party traditionally leans left, he has shifted noticeably towards the centre for his campaign. Mindful of undecided conservative voters, he has moderated his rhetoric, abandoning many of the progressive stances that defined his presidential bids in 2017 and 2022, when he faced criticism for being too soft on North Korea and too pro-China.
His campaign launch speech omits any mention of North Korea, focuses on domestic priorities and calls for āproactive and forward-looking pragmatismā. This reflects the delicate balancing act required of South Korean politicians, who must address domestic concerns while preparing for complex foreign policy challenges.
While economic concerns dominate votersā minds ā particularly after the wonās recent plummet ā foreign policy demands equal attention. South Koreaās position at the nexus of major power competition makes geopolitical considerations unavoidable. Any president who neglects this risks compromising national security and long-term stability.
The first foreign policy challenge is to improve relations with North Korea. Ties have deteriorated dramatically, with Pyongyang declaring Seoul its āmain enemyā and abandoning reunification. Yoonās pivot towards the United States and Japan while emphasising military deterrence over dialogue with Pyongyang further strained ties.