South Korea is set to conduct an unexpected presidential election on June 3, as declared by acting leader Han Duck-soo. This decision follows the recent removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol by the Constitutional Court, which ruled against his controversial imposition of martial law last December. According to the country's legal framework, a new president must be elected within 60 days of Yoon's ousting, with the new leader expected to serve a full five-year term.

The upcoming election is anticipated to be characterized by significant political polarization, primarily a contest between the conservative People Power Party, associated with Yoon, and its main liberal contender, the Democratic Party. The People Power Party is currently grappling with internal strife and a need to restore public trust, making it a formidable challenge as they strive to maintain their hold on power after Yoon's tumultuous actions.

Potential candidates soon to emerge for the People Power Party are closely monitored, particularly given the likelihood that the Democratic Party will nominate Lee Jae-myung, a prominent leader and previous candidate who almost won against Yoon in the last election. Lee is seen as the front-runner, bolstered by his robust handling of party crises and his impeachment of the now-ousted president.

In the wake of Yoon's martial law decision, which stirred fears of a return to military rule, the reputation of the People Power Party has taken a significant hit, despite the party's lack of direct involvement in the martial law enforcement. Internal disagreements within the party have led to criticism from reform-minded members who called for Yoon’s impeachment, causing friction with those aligned with the president.

The party is expected to see about ten individuals vying for the presidential nomination, but its leadership, primarily filled with Yoon’s allies, poses substantial challenges for unity and strategy as the election approaches. According to experts, the party needs to select a candidate who can resonate with the general public, especially moderates, instead of merely appealing to its core base in the primaries.

On the other side, opposition leader Lee is regarded differently by supporters and critics, viewed as a populist reformer by some and disparaged as a divisive demagogue by others. Notably, Lee is facing several ongoing trials for various criminal allegations, and should he win the presidency, these legal proceedings could be halted due to the protections offered by presidential immunity.

The political landscape remains turbulent, underscored by accusations from Yoon against Lee’s party of exploiting their legislative control to undermine his governance and pursue political agendas. Amid ongoing tensions, analysts indicate that if Lee consolidates his power within the Democratic Party, he has a clear trajectory towards potentially winning the upcoming presidency.