Core Viewpoint - The upcoming South Korean presidential election on June 3, 2025, is a significant political event following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, with major implications for the country's political landscape and governance [1][3]. Group 1: Election Context - The election was originally scheduled for 2027 but was moved up due to the constitutional requirement to hold a new election within 60 days of a president's impeachment [1]. - A total of 14,295 polling stations will be set up for approximately 44.39 million eligible voters, with voting hours from 6 AM to 8 PM local time [3]. Group 2: Candidates and Polling - Five candidates are competing, with Lee Jae-myung from the Democratic Party leading in polls at 49.2%, followed by Kim Moon-soo from the ruling People Power Party at 36.8%, and Lee Jun-sik from the Reform New Party at 10.3% [1][3]. - The election is seen as a referendum on the Yoon administration, with many voters eager to address the political turmoil caused by the previous government's actions [3]. Group 3: Voter Engagement - The early voting period saw a participation rate of 34.74%, the second highest in history, indicating strong voter interest driven by recent political events [7]. - A high turnout is anticipated for the final voting day, with 86.8% of voters expressing intent to participate, reflecting a desire for change in governance [8]. Group 4: Candidate Strategies - Candidates are intensifying their campaigning efforts in the final days, with Lee Jae-myung focusing on his political stronghold in Seongnam and Kim Moon-soo rallying support in key cities [4][5]. - Former presidents are actively supporting their preferred candidates, with Yoon Suk-yeol endorsing Kim Moon-soo, while former President Moon Jae-in emphasizes the importance of accountability in this election [5][6]. Group 5: Political Dynamics - Analysts suggest that the current political climate favors Lee Jae-myung due to a strong public sentiment for accountability following the impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol [10]. - The rise in support for Kim Moon-soo in the final polling days reflects a consolidation of conservative voters, although the overall trend still indicates a preference for change among the electorate [11][12].

Group 1 - The upcoming South Korean presidential election is crucial for the country's future policies, especially in balancing relations between China and the United States [1] - The election, originally scheduled for 2027, has been moved up to June 3 due to the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol [1][3] - Five candidates are competing, with Lee Jae-myung from the Democratic Party leading in polls with 49.2% support, followed by Kim Moon-soo from the ruling People Power Party at 36.8% and Lee Jun-suk at 10.3% [1] Group 2 - A total of 14,295 polling stations will be set up for approximately 44.39 million voters, with polling hours from 6 AM to 8 PM [3] - The early voting period saw a participation of 15.42 million voters, resulting in a turnout rate of 34.74%, the second highest in history [6][8] - The high early voting turnout is attributed to public sentiment against the previous administration's actions, indicating a strong desire for change [8][12] Group 3 - Former presidents are actively campaigning for their preferred candidates, with Yoon Suk-yeol endorsing Kim Moon-soo and former President Moon Jae-in emphasizing the need for accountability in the election [5][11] - The election is seen as a referendum on the previous administration, with significant public interest in the outcome [3][11] - The candidates have engaged in televised debates, but the discussions have been criticized for lacking depth and devolving into personal attacks [12]

Core Points - The early voting for the 21st presidential election in South Korea began on May 29 and will end on May 30, with the votes counted in the final election results [1] - Early voting allows voters who may be unable to vote on the official election day to cast their ballots in advance, aimed at increasing voter participation [1] - South Korea introduced the early voting system in 2013, and it was first implemented in a presidential election in 2017 [1]