South Korea on the crossroads: Lee Jae Myung is fighting for democracy!

South Korea on the crossroads: Lee Jae Myung is fighting for democracy!

On June 3, 2025, a significant presidential election took place in South Korea, in which almost 80 percent of the citizens entitled to vote took part. This high turnout illustrates the great interest of the population in free elections and the future of their democracy. Loud Maz-online.de is Lee Jae Myung, a prominent opposition politician, as a expected election winner with numerous challenges. A paralyzing economy and foreign policy problems reinforce the already tense situation in the country, which is considered a former model democracy.

The political tensions increased in the past few months. Lee Jae Myung, who narrowly lost to the incumbent President Yoon Suk Yeol in 2022, is not only a favorite for the next presidential election 2027, but also brings a turbulent history with it. He recently became the victim of an attack when he was stabbed in Busan during a public appearance. The attacker was arrested and stated that he wanted to kill Lee to prevent him from becoming president. Lee described the incident as a "attempt to assassinate", a blatant expression of increasing political violence in South Korea, which was previously considered unimaginable, such as Fox News reported.

division of society and politics

Society and the political operation in South Korea are increasingly divided. Lee Jae Myung criticized President Yoon and accused him of promoting social divisions and tightening the political debate. Yoon, who characterizes his government through an aggressive military attitude towards North Korea, is also faced with allegations of corruption, which are referred to by Leesite as political chess trains. The political discourse is characterized by ideological, generational and regional trenches, which leads to dangerous polarization before the upcoming elections.

In addition to the attack on Lee Jae Myung, incidents of violence and vandalism were reported in polling stations. Election workers were exposed to mobbing and threats, which also tightened the already tense atmosphere. According to Tagesschau , the division of the political camp brings the land to a fork point where a clear line must be drawn.

a fresh start or a patient situation?

Lee Jae Myung is now considered the key to the stability of the country. However, there is a risk of a political stalemate because a strong opposition could block its projects. His recent attack, in connection with social tensions, raises questions about whether South Korea's democracy is actually based on a fresh start or whether the challenges appear insurmountable. The democratic principles, which originally seemed firmly anchored since the turn of 1987, are on the brink in the face of growing violence and social division

The upcoming elections in April 2026 are considered a referendum on Yoon's leadership. The hope remains that a new generation of politicians, who may be able to overcome the inner trenches, builds up and paves the way for a united and more stable future. The developments of the coming months could be crucial for the fate of South Korea and its democracy.