South Korea Presidential Campaign Begins After Impeachment

South Korea's snap presidential election campaign officially began with candidates focusing on healing political divisions and addressing economic challenges amid geopolitical tensions, including strained trade relations with the United States following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment after a failed martial law attempt. The frontrunner, Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party, has gained momentum despite legal challenges and security threats, campaigning on promises to unite the country, boost innovation in AI and cultural exports, and improve diplomatic ties with Europe and North Korea. His main rival, Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party, emphasizes revitalizing small businesses, job creation, pro-business policies, and strengthening security ties with the U.S., including plans to renegotiate tariffs and explore nuclear fuel reprocessing. Lee's campaign is marked by his resilience, including surviving a knife attack and wearing a bulletproof vest during rallies, while Kim's candidacy followed internal party dynamics and a merger with a former prime minister's campaign. The election, scheduled for June 3, is pivotal in determining South Korea's direction on domestic governance, economic growth, and foreign policy amidst ongoing political crisis and external pressures. Both candidates have finalized their nominations and begun official campaigning under regulated conditions ahead of the vote.