South Korea's 21st presidential election, set for June 3, is shaping into a high-stakes contest as a recent poll by the Korea Society Opinion Institute (KSOI) reveals a widening lead for opposition frontrunner Lee Jae-myung, while acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has surged to become the conservative camp's most viable candidate.
According to the survey released April 20, Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the liberal Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), commands a dominant 46.1% support rate. Han Duck-soo, who has yet to formally declare his candidacy, secured 10.6%-the only conservative figure to break double digits-propelling him to second place.
Han's rise follows mounting calls within the ruling conservative People Power Party (PPP) for him to enter the race. Political analysts suggest his current role as acting president, coupled with his technocratic image, could consolidate fragmented conservative voters. The PPP's internal race remains chaotic, with former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo trailing at 9%, followed by ex-Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo (8.2%) and former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon (8.1%). The party is set to finalize its nominee by May 3 after a series of primaries.
In contrast, Lee Jae-myung has solidified his position as the DPK's presumptive nominee, sweeping two consecutive primary victories on April 19 and 20. The populist leader, known for his welfare-driven policies, has capitalized on voter dissatisfaction with the conservative interim government's economic management.
Uncertainty Looms Over Han's CandidacyDespite his polling momentum, Han Duck-soo faces skepticism over his reluctance to formally campaign. PPP insiders claim he is weighing the risks of entering a polarized race dominated by Lee's aggressive populism.
The DPK, meanwhile, has criticized Han's dual role as acting president and potential candidate, calling it a "conflict of interest." Lee's camp has framed the election as a referendum on conservative policies, particularly amid rising inflation and youth unemployment.
As both parties race to finalize nominees by April 27 (DPK) and May 3 (PPP), analysts note that Han's entry could recalibrate the contest. However, Lee's persistent lead underscores the uphill battle conservatives face in reversing public sentiment ahead of the June vote.
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