High voter turnout in South Korea's snap presidential election | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Snap presidential election
• Impeachment and removal of former President Yun Suk-yeol
• Martial law declaration
• Political polarization
• Economic downturn
• Low birth rate
• Voter turnout
• Liberal vs. Conservative ideologies

1. Main Candidates and Political Context:

• The election is to replace former President Yun Suk-yeol, who was impeached and removed from office following his declaration of martial law in December.
• The main candidates are:
  • Li Jay-mun (Democratic Party): Seen as the driving force behind Yun's impeachment.
  • Kim Mun-su (People Power Party - PPP): From Yun's ruling party.
• Pre-election polls showed Lee Jay-mun as the frontrunner.
• The political landscape is highly polarized, impacting voter choices and perspectives.

2. Martial Law Declaration and its Aftermath:

• Yun Suk-yeol's suspension of civilian rule on December 3rd shocked South Korea and the world.
• The martial law lasted only 6 hours but created significant uncertainty and instability.
• Yun justified the move by claiming parliament was paralyzed by "anti-democratic forces."
• The event led to Yun's impeachment and removal from office.
• Correspondent Fabian Cret notes the martial law crisis began "exactly half a year ago" when Yun sent military troops to cordon off the National Assembly.

3. Key Issues for Voters:

• Restoring Stability: A primary concern for many voters after the turmoil caused by the martial law declaration.
• Economic Downturn: Addressing the shrinking economy and rising cost of living is a major challenge. South Korea's economy has been shrinking in the first quarter of 2025.
• Low Birth Rate: The record low birth rate poses a significant risk to the country's future.
• International Relations: Concerns about potential threats from US President Donald Trump and their impact on South Korean exports.

4. Voter Turnout and Engagement:

• High voter turnout indicates the importance of the election to the South Korean public.
• More than a third of the 45 million eligible voters cast ballots early.
• As of 2 p.m. local time, voter turnout was already over 65%, a record.

5. Political Polarization and Ideological Divide:

• South Korean society is deeply polarized along political, gender, generational, and economic lines.
• Right-wing voters view former President Yun as a "defender of the liberal order."
• They accuse leftist politicians of colluding with China and sympathizing with North Korea.
• Fabian Cret emphasizes that facts sometimes don't matter, especially among those consuming news primarily on social media.
• Radicalization and hatred between political ideologies are prevalent.

6. Challenges for the New Leader:

• Reassuring the public, both domestically and internationally, that South Korea is returning to stability and predictability.
• Addressing the economic challenges and improving the living conditions for ordinary citizens.
• Tackling the demographic crisis caused by the low birth rate.
• Navigating complex international relations, particularly with the US and potential threats to exports.

7. Notable Quotes:

• Voter: "I voted early...because I want the era to change...I voted hoping that something like that would not happen again."
• Fabian Cret: "...people really want to bring an end to the crisis that South Korea is in..."
• Fabian Cret: "...you basically had a power vacuum. You don't have a democratically elected president right now who can solve the deepening issues..."
• Fabian Cret: "...among the right-wing voters they have a fundamentally different view of what happened...they see the former president Yuniel as a defender of the liberal order..."

8. Data and Statistics:

• More than a third of 45 million eligible voters cast ballots early.
• Voter turnout was over 65% as of 2 p.m. local time.
• South Korea's economy has been shrinking in the first quarter of 2025.
• Roughly 60% of South Koreans support the impeachment of Yun Suk-yeol.

9. Logical Connections:

• The martial law declaration is the central event that triggered the snap election.
• Political polarization influences voter behavior and complicates the task of restoring stability.
• Economic challenges and the low birth rate are critical issues that the new leader must address to ensure the country's future.

10. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The South Korean snap presidential election is a crucial event aimed at resolving the crisis triggered by the former president's declaration of martial law. The election is taking place amidst deep political polarization and significant economic and demographic challenges. The new leader will face the immediate task of restoring stability and reassuring the public, while also addressing long-term issues such as the economic downturn and the low birth rate. The high voter turnout underscores the importance of this election for the future of South Korea.