Group 1 - The main opposition party, the Democratic Party, leads the presidential race with candidate Lee Jae-myung at 50.2% support, while the ruling party's candidate Kim Moon-soo has 35.6% [1] - Recent polls from Gallup also show Lee Jae-myung at 51% and Kim Moon-soo at 29%, indicating a consistent lead for the opposition [1] - The first televised debate focused on economic issues, with Lee blaming the current government's policies for the economic downturn, while Kim acknowledged responsibility but also pointed fingers at Lee's past leadership [1] Group 2 - International investment banks have downgraded South Korea's economic growth forecast for this year to an average of 0.8%, down from 1.4% [2] - The political turmoil caused by President Yoon Suk-yeol's emergency measures and U.S. tariff policies are seen as major factors affecting South Korea's economic performance [2] - The ruling party is facing internal conflicts and criticisms, which have weakened its position in the upcoming elections [2] Group 3 - Former conservative politician Hong Joon-pyo has expressed disappointment with the ruling party's internal politics and has announced his withdrawal from the political scene [3] - Despite his withdrawal, there are indications that both Lee Jae-myung and the minor conservative party are reaching out to Hong for support [3] - Former ruling party member Kim Sang-uk has left the party and is now supporting Lee Jae-myung, criticizing the ruling party for losing its conservative essence [3] Group 4 - President Yoon Suk-yeol's recent resignation from the ruling party was an attempt to boost the party's election prospects, but the impact appears limited as Kim Moon-soo's support remains significantly lower than Lee Jae-myung's [4] - Support for Lee Jae-myung has also come from groups previously aligned with former President Park Geun-hye, citing the ruling party's lack of reflection after the emergency measures [5]

Group 1 - The core issue revolves around the failed merger discussions between the presidential candidates Kim Moon-soo from the People Power Party and independent candidate Han Duck-soo, indicating a potential fragmentation within the conservative camp [1][2] - Following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea's political landscape is undergoing a restructuring phase, with Han Duck-soo announcing his independent candidacy for the 2025 presidential election [1] - The political race is intensifying, with Lee Jae-myung from the Democratic Party leading in multiple polls, showcasing a strong advantage over the conservative candidates [1] Group 2 - Initial discussions between Kim Moon-soo and Han Duck-soo on forming a single candidate did not yield results, leading to a second meeting that turned into a heated debate [2] - Tensions escalated during the second meeting, with Kim Moon-soo accusing the party leadership of favoring Han Duck-soo, while Han Duck-soo denied any discussions with party leaders [2] - Recent polling data shows Lee Jae-myung leading with 43% support, followed by Han Duck-soo at 23% and Kim Moon-soo at 12% [2]