South Korea Presidential Election Heats Up Ahead of Vote

(MENAFN) South Korea’s presidential contest has grown more competitive, with the lead between the top candidates shrinking, according to a new poll released Monday.

Democratic Party (DP) nominee Lee Jae-myung remains ahead, but his margin has slipped in the most recent survey, a South Korean news agency reported.

His main challenger, People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo, is rapidly closing the gap, with just over a week left before voters head to the polls.

Lee Jun-seok, representing the New Reform Party (NRP), has surged into the double digits in public support, based on findings from a Realmeter poll.

According to the poll, support currently stands at 46.6% for the DP's Lee, 37.6% for Kim, and 10.4% for the NRP's Lee.

The survey carries a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points with a 95% confidence level.

Despite calls for consolidation, the NRP’s Lee—formerly a PPP leader—has stated he will remain in the race until election day.

Nonetheless, speculation continues about a potential alliance between the PPP and NRP contenders, a move that could significantly alter the race in favor of the ruling bloc.

This expedited election was set in motion following the Constitutional Court’s ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol in April over his failed attempt to declare martial law last December.

Voters will cast their ballots on June 3, with early voting scheduled to begin this Thursday.

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