SEOUL (Realist English). More than 10 million South Koreans have voted in early balloting for the upcoming June 3 presidential election, the National Election Commission announced on Friday — a record-breaking turnout since early voting was first introduced in 2014.
As of 11:00 a.m. on the final day of early voting, turnout stood at 24.55 percent, the highest ever recorded at this stage. Officials expect the final early voting figures to set a new national benchmark ahead of next week’s vote, which follows months of political upheaval sparked by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempted imposition of martial law.
A total of 44.3 million citizens are eligible to vote in the election, which has become a three-way contest between Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party (DP), Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP), and Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party.
On Friday, Lee Jae-myung campaigned in Chuncheon, Wonju, and Chungju, marking his first official visit to Gangwon Province during this election cycle. These are regions where he lost to Yoon in 2022, and where the DP is now working to regain ground.
Meanwhile, PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo launched a 90-hour nonstop national campaign tour, aiming to energize his base and sway undecided voters. His itinerary includes campaign stops in Gapyeong, Icheon, Yeoju, and several other cities across Gyeonggi, North Chungcheong, and Gangwon provinces.
The most recent nationwide poll, released Wednesday, shows Lee Jae-myung in the lead with 49.2%, followed by Kim Moon-soo with 36.8%. Lee Jun-seok trailed with 10.3%, making the final stretch of campaigning crucial for all sides.
Observers note that the surge in early turnout reflects both deep public engagement and intensifying partisan mobilization in what is shaping up to be South Korea’s most consequential presidential race in recent history.