Korea Update

The Final Presidential Campaign Rally of Lee Jae-myung June 2, 7:00 PM | Culture Square, Yeouido Park Remember On November 30, 1987, 1.3 million voices rose as one in support of Kim Dae-jung and the dream of democracy. In that same unshakable spirit, democracy will rise again—on June 2 at 7 p.m., at the Culture Square in Yeouido Park. There, we will remember the long, unfinished journey: — 35 years of Japanese colonial rule, — the joy of liberation in 1945, denied by foreign partition, — the Cold War’s grip when the U.S. fractured our nation under the weight of its Northeast Asia strategy, — and the scars of a three-year war that tore our land and families apart. And yet, through every trial, the people stood firm. And from the rubble, we built democracy. Now, a new crossroads lies before us. This may be our final chance to secure a democracy that is truly our own, and a sovereign state that answers only to its people. It is the most sacred and joyful task o...

As South Korea approaches its historic presidential election on June 3, its democracy faces a dual assault—one from within, by coup-aligned actors, and one from abroad, by far-right American operatives seeking to manipulate the outcome. These foreign actors are not benign observers. They are ideological foot soldiers in a transnational campaign to undermine Korea’s democratic transition and entrench U.S. military and political dominance in East Asia. U.S. Far-Right Interference, Disguised as Observation On May 26, a group of far-right American figures arrived in Seoul under the false guise of “international election observers.” Led by Trump-era State Department official Morse Tan and conspiracy theorist Gordon Chang , the delegation met privately with figures tied to Korea’s recent coup attemp began spreading disinformation about Korea’s electoral process. t Just days later, they appeared at an early voting site and publicly questioned the legitimacy of Korea’s ...

The upcoming June 3 presidential election in South Korea is a decisive moment that transcends a routine political contest — it is a battle to defend democracy against far-right coup forces and foreign interference, particularly from the United States. Lee Jae-myung, the leading opposition candidate, is portrayed by some international media as a mature national leader focused on protecting South Korea’s sovereignty and national interests. In an exclusive interview with TIME magazine, Lee emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of the Korean people, while expressing cautious optimism about renewed dialogue between the U.S., North Korea, and South Korea to secure peace on the peninsula. Polls reinforce Lee’s strong position, showing him leading with a clear majority even in scenarios where opposition candidates unify. His popularity reflects widespread public desire to reject the current far-right government, which is accused of attempting a military-style coup, undermining demo...

What Is True Sovereignty? South Koreans Answer with Their Votes As South Korea approaches a defining presidential election, its people are delivering a message the world must hear: true sovereignty is not granted from above or dictated from abroad—it is claimed from below, by the people themselves. In remarks reported by Hankyoreh, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander General Xavier Brunson exposed the contradictions at the heart of U.S. military policy on the Korean Peninsula. While he pays rhetorical tribute to South Korea’s sovereignty—calling nuclear armament “a sovereign concern”—he simultaneously refers to the country as a U.S. “strategic aircraft carrier” for American interests in East Asia. That’s not respect. That’s occupation by another name. Sovereign nations are not launching pads for foreign wars. They are communities with the right to self-determination, whose people must never be reduced to pawns in another empire’s game. Brunson’s call for a “strategic dynam...

As South Korea’s election nears, Kim Moon-soo openly embraces Yoon Suk-yeol’s agenda and inner circle. Supporting Kim is backing the far-right insurrection, the push for martial law, and deepening U.S. military control. The choice is clear: voting for Kim is voting to bring back Yoon and threaten Korea’s democracy and sovereignty. In South Korea’s third presidential debate on May 27, ruling party candidate Kim Moon-soo left no doubt: his campaign is a direct extension of the disgraced and impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol. Far from offering a new direction, Kim openly embraced Yoon’s far-right agenda—echoing his rhetoric, defending his actions, and pledging to revive his most dangerous policies. This is not mere political alignment. With Yoon loyalist Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun serving as co-chair of his campaign, Kim has built a team of insiders committed to restoring Yoon’s power and whitewashing his crimes. What’s at stake in this election is not just policy—it’s the future of Kor...

South Korea’s Election Is a Global Test of Democracy—and the World Is Failing It Early voting for South Korea’s snap presidential election begins tomorrow, May 29, at 3,568 stations nationwide. According to a Gallup Korea poll, 86.8% of voters say they will definitely vote, with 37.4% planning to cast their ballots during the two-day early voting period. As South Korea heads toward its June 3 presidential election, the world faces not just a national vote—but a defining test of our collective commitment to democracy, human rights, and sovereignty. This is no routine election. It follows a failed coup and an illegal attempt to impose martial law by the Yoon Suk-yeol regime—an authoritarian breach narrowly averted by mass public resistance. Yet the international media has responded with superficial coverage, dismissive analysis, or outright silence. This isn’t just negligence. It is a betrayal of democratic solidarity. Major outlets continue to frame the election through nar...

"Not a single vote must be given to the forces of insurrection." 내란세력에게 단 한 표도 주어져서는 안된다. Simone Chun The June 3 presidential election in South Korea is more than a national political contest—it is a global referendum on democracy, sovereignty, and the future of peace in East Asia. At stake is whether Korea will continue as a self-determined democracy or slide further into authoritarianism amid intensifying foreign influence and geopolitical pressure. In 1919, Koreans ignited a bold and defiant resistance against brutal Japanese imperialism. The March 1st Independence Movement, led by students, workers, and ordinary people, marked one of the earliest mass mobilizations against colonial rule in the modern era. Though met with violent suppression, it lit the fire of a nationwide and global liberation struggle—one that would ultimately contribute to the collapse of Japan’s empire in 1945. Fast forward to 1980. In the shadow of the Cold War and under the watch of ...

"I hope this election serves as a pivotal moment for Korea to emerge as a nation honored and respected on the global stage." Cardinal Yoo Hong-sik at the Overseas Voting Station of the Korean Embassy in Italy 유홍식 추기경: “이번 선거가 한국이 세계로부터 인정받는 나라가 되는 계기가 되기를 바랍니다.” — 주이탈리아 한국대사관 재외투표소에서 Selected Photo Source: JNC TV 출처: JNC TV