A senior pastor with Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, the 70-year-old was elected at the recent world conference in Helsinki by representatives from 90 countries. His selection shows the growing role of Asian communities in this part of global Christianity.
The left-leaning candidate won more than 50 per cent of the vote in the wake of Yoon Suk-yeol’s removal. Exit polls reflect generational and gender divisions, but also a renewed civic commitment by South Koreans. The Democratic Party of Korea calls for national unity to turn the page after the declaration of martial law.
After the removal of conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, the country will go to the polls tomorrow to pick a new president. If elected, the frontrunner Lee Jae-myung will lead a divided country, seeking a balance between social justice and growing polarisation. For Prof David C. Kang of the University of Southern California, this is a test of democratic stability, but South Korean society is not in decline.
On the eve of a critical vote on 3 June, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea informs voters and politicians of the traits that elected officials should have to truly promote the common good: serve the people, unite it beyond ideological and social barriers, promote peace with the North, and commit to safeguarding the environment.
The reporter, whose identity has not been released, is accused of obstructing the Election Commission with an article claiming that 99 Chinese spies had been moved from South Korea to Japan after former President Yoon declared martial law. The affair reflects the tense climate of the presidential election campaign. Meanwhile, the leader of the Democratic Party Lee Jae-myung continues to be ahead in the polls.
The former labour minister will challenge the favourite candidate, the liberal Lee Jae-myung, in the elections on 3 June. In his acceptance speech, he promised ‘a strong alliance with anyone’ to defeat his rivals. Among his priorities are support for businesses and a hard line against North Korea. However, polls still give Lee a clear lead.
