Concerns mount over concentration of power as Lee and Democrats tighten grip
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Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung speaks from behind bulletproof glass during a campaign rally near Hongik University in Seoul's Mapo district on May 19. /News1 |
South Korea’s Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung is widening his lead over conservative rivals, with multiple recent polls showing him ahead by double digits. In several surveys, his support has surpassed the 50% mark, fueling speculation that he could secure close to 60% of the vote in the presidential election just two weeks away. If the current momentum holds, political observers say Lee could rewrite electoral history, setting records for the highest number of votes, the largest vote share, and the widest margin of victory since South Korea introduced direct presidential elections in 1987. “If this trend continues, Lee Jae-myung could achieve a ‘triple crown’ win,” said one political insider.
Most polls show a clear pattern, with Lee as the dominant front-runner, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party in second, and Lee Jun-seok of the minor Reform Party trailing in third. Polling experts point out that Lee is leading across nearly all age groups and regions, except among voters aged 70 and older and in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province.
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Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung appeals to voters from behind bulletproof glass during a campaign rally near Hongik University in Seoul's Mapo district on May 19. /Nam Gang-ho |
Despite leading in the polls, the Democratic Party is pushing to maximize voter turnout and Lee Jae-myung’s final vote share. “Don’t talk about a big lead,” Lee said during a May 14 campaign rally. “This is a desperate race where every single vote counts.”
Still, confidence is growing inside the party. Democratic lawmaker Park Jie-won said in a May 19 SBS radio interview, “Lee Jae-myung will receive over 55% of the vote. I expect the final result to be 60% for Lee, 30% for Kim Moon-soo, and 10% for Lee Jun-seok.” Some polls, after excluding undecided or non-responsive voters, show Lee’s projected vote share as high as 57%.
The Democratic Party currently controls 171 seats in the National Assembly. Including smaller opposition parties aligned with Lee, such as the Rebuilding Korea Party, the broader liberal camp holds up to 190 seats. With Lee firmly in control of the party and the conservative camp in disarray, some political observers warn that a landslide victory could weaken institutional checks on executive power.
With just two weeks left until the June 3 presidential election, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung is showing strong momentum. Recent polls suggest he could secure a dominant victory. A Gallup Korea poll conducted from May 13 to 15 showed Lee with 51% support, ahead of Kim Moon-soo at 29% and Lee Jun-seok at 8%. When excluding undecided and non-responses, Lee’s support rose to 57.3%, followed by Kim at 32.6% and Lee Jun-seok at 9%. A polling expert said Lee’s figure could reflect his actual vote share on election day. With numbers continuing to rise, some in political circles say a 60% result is now possible.
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Graphics by Kim Hyun-kook |
Lee was the top choice in every region except the conservative stronghold of Daegu and North Gyeongsang, where Kim led 48% to 34%. In Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang, Lee had 41% and Kim 39%. By age, Lee led across all groups except those aged 70 and older (Lee 31%, Kim 52%). Among voters in their 60s, the two were nearly tied.
[Kim Jeong-hwan]
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