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.
This is the estimate by the government-funded Korea Institute for Defense Analysis for North Korea’s shipment of weapons, men and technology to Russia. The supplies include 21,000 containers of weapons sent by sea. Between late 2024 and the start of 2025, North Korea sent almost 127,000 phishing emails to South Korean officials, journalists and researchers.
After the impeachment of the Korean president, the People Power Party is preparing to choose its new candidate for the elections on 3 June. The mayor of the capital, Oh Se-hoon, could be the favourite in the primaries, which will be held on 3 May. Oh is banking on his administrative experience and a conservative agenda. Meanwhile, the opposition has formalised the candidacy of Lee Jae-myung, currently leading in the polls.
Even conservatives accept the Constitutional Court’s unanimous ruling, removing the sitting president over his attempt to impose martial law on 3 December. This marks the start of an uncertain election campaign with opposition leader Lee Jae-miung as the big favourite.
