South Korea is once again making political history.
With the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol confirmed by the Constitutional Court, the nation is preparing for an early presidential election within 60 days — a process unprecedented globally, yet familiar to Korean democracy.
In this article, we break down the three most likely scenarios for the 2025 South Korean presidential election — and the key players who may define the nation's future.
📸 Candidate Overview
The three symbolic figures leading each scenario:
- Left (Progressive) – Representative of Lee Jae-myung’s Democratic Party
- Center (Conservative) – Embodies Han Dong-hoon’s faction
- Right (Reformist) – Reflects Park Eun-jeong of the Jokuk Innovation Party
🎯 Scenario 1: Lee Jae-myung Wins – A Progressive Resurgence
- Former Gyeonggi Province governor and 2022 runner-up
- Gains momentum from anti-Yoon sentiment and political fatigue
- Benefits from organized party machinery and broad public recognition
📌 Challenges: High disapproval from moderates, ongoing legal issues
⭐ Likelihood: ★★★★☆
🎯 Scenario 2: Han Dong-hoon Rises – Conservative Reboot
- Young, media-savvy former Minister of Justice
- Seen as a fresh conservative alternative post-Yoon
- Potential to mobilize right-wing base, but must distance from impeachment fallout
📌 Challenges: "Yoon’s shadow," party division
⭐ Likelihood: ★★☆☆☆
🎯 Scenario 3: Park Eun-jeong or a Centrist Breakthrough – Reformist Shift
- Represents a newer political voice demanding reform and justice
- Could resonate with disillusioned voters
- Symbol of institutional integrity (former prosecutor)
📌 Challenges: Low name recognition, no national party base
⭐ Likelihood: ★☆☆☆☆
🔪 Political Tensions or Harmony?
We previously imagined each candidate in conflict, symbolized by wielding metaphorical “political knives.”
But what if… unity is possible?
🤝 A Vision for Unity?
In a symbolic gesture, we illustrate all three factions reaching consensus through mutual respect and cooperation.
Can South Korea’s future leadership go beyond division and toward democratic solidarity?
🧠 Why This Election Matters Globally
South Korea may be the only presidential democracy where the head of state was twice removed by a Constitutional Court — and replaced through direct national election.
A true case study in procedural democracy, not chaos.
“South Korea is one of the only countries to remove its president via constitutional order and hold early elections twice within a decade.”
📊 Summary Table
| Progressive Victory | Lee Jae-myung | High disapproval | Predictable shift |
| Conservative Reboot | Han Dong-hoon | Ties to impeached president | Uncertain comeback |
| Reformist Breakthrough | Park Eun-jeong / etc. | Low recognition, no base | Bold alternative |
📢 Closing Thoughts
The 2025 South Korean election isn’t just another vote — it’s a test of democratic maturity, public trust, and political imagination.
Whether voters choose continuity, renewal, or reform,
Korea is showing the world what constitutional democracy looks like in action.