South Korean candidates target key swing voters

Seoul

With the presidential election just 15 days away, South Korean candidates have increased efforts to win over swing voters in Seoul, a key battleground city. This election will decide the successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office over a failed martial law attempt.

Democratic Party (DP) front-runner Lee Jae-myung focused on elderly voters and held a rally at Yongsan Station. He plans to visit other districts, including Yeongdeungpo and Mapo, in the coming days.

People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo and New Reform Party (NRP) candidate Lee Jun-seok participated in a forum in Seoul. Though both men spoke at the same event, Lee ruled out merging campaigns with Kim. However, Kim remains open to cooperation.

A Realmeter poll showed DP’s Lee leading with 50.2% support, followed by Kim at 35.6%, and NRP’s Lee at 8.7%.

Kim focused on youth voters by announcing policies to support housing, marriage, and job fairness. He also proposed recognizing military service as work experience. These policies were presented at Cheonggye Plaza on Coming of Age Day.

Kim later attended a luncheon with the American Chamber of Commerce, pledging to seek stronger ties with the U.S. if elected. He promised to meet President Donald Trump in June to resolve economic issues and boost cooperation in sectors like shipbuilding.

Kim also voiced concern over possible U.S. troop reductions in South Korea and said a small increase in defense cost sharing would be acceptable.

Kim plans to close his day with a rally at Seoul Station.