Official 22-Day Presidential Campaign Begins... Lee: "Will Usher in a New Dawn of Hope," Kim: "Will Serve from a Humble Position"

Lee Jaemyung Launches Campaign at Gwanghwamun Cheonggye Square
Kim Moonsoo Begins Schedule at Garak Market in Seoul
Lee Junseok Visits Yeosu Industrial Complex

The official campaign period for the 21st presidential election began on May 12, 2025. The seven presidential candidates will conduct their official campaigns for 22 days until June 2. On June 3, a new president will be elected by the people.

Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, began his official campaign at 10 a.m. at Cheonggye Square in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, emphasizing the "Revolution of Light" and highlighting a message of "ending insurrection." He stated, "I will deeply remember the significance of starting my campaign here, where the Revolution of Light began," and added, "Together with the people, I will confidently usher in a new dawn of hope."

Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, raises both arms high as he begins his first campaign rally at Cheonggye Square in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, a space symbolizing the "Revolution of Light," on May 12, 2025, the first day of official election campaigning for the 21st presidential election. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, began his campaign at 5 a.m. at Garak Market in Songpa-gu, Seoul, to convey his intention to address markets, people's livelihoods, and the economy. He said, "I will become a president who serves passionately from a humble position so that the sweat and hard work of those who lose sleep at night in difficult times can bear fruit."

Lee Junseok, the reform New Party presidential candidate, began his campaign at midnight at the Yeosu National Industrial Complex in Jeollanam-do to emphasize overcoming the crisis and achieving a new leap forward for the Korean economy. He said, "I will become a president who is concerned about the development and resurgence of Korea 24 hours a day."

With the start of the official campaign period, candidates are allowed to give speeches and hold discussions in public places from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. until June 2. The main voting will take place on June 3, but early voting will be held for two days on May 29 (Thursday) and May 30 (Friday), in accordance with the Public Official Election Act, which stipulates that early voting must begin five days prior to election day.

On the first day of official election campaigning for the 21st presidential election on the 12th, Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, visited Garak Market in Songpa-gu, Seoul, greeting the merchants. Photo by Yonhap News.

The presidential TV debates are scheduled for May 18 (economy?measures to overcome low growth and revitalize the people's economy), May 23 (society?measures to overcome social conflict and promote integration), and May 27 (politics?measures to resolve political polarization). Parties with at least five seats in the National Assembly or those that received at least 3% of the vote in the previous election are eligible to participate. Candidates expected to attend include Lee Jaemyung, Kim Moonsoo, Lee Junseok, and Kwon Youngguk, the Democratic Labor Party candidate. Each debate will run for 120 minutes from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Candidates who are not eligible for the main debates will participate in a separate debate on May 19.

This presidential election was called after former President Yoon Sukyeol was removed from office for declaring martial law on December 3, 2024, and being held responsible for "insurrection" and other charges. As this is a by-election, the winner will immediately assume the presidency and take charge of state affairs upon confirmation of the result.

On the early morning of the 12th, the first day of the official campaign for the 21st presidential election, Lee Junseok, the reform New Party presidential candidate, visited Kumho P&B Chemicals Yeosu Plant 2 in Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do, and toured the site. Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister for Education Lee Jooho presided over a "Fair Election Ministers' Meeting" at the Seoul Government Complex on the morning of May 12. He stated, "This election must go beyond simply selecting a new national leader and become a historic turning point for national unity," and urged, "I ask all citizens to exercise your precious vote so that the 21st presidential election can serve as an opportunity to unite society and overcome the challenges we face."