Rival parties speed up candidate selection as S. Korea's snap election nears

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

With just over a month remaining until Korea's June 3rd snap presidential election, the political landscape has taken another dramatic turn.

The Supreme Court has overturned the appellate acquittal of Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung in his election law violation case, with a new ruling that effectively signals a guilty outcome.

While such a verdict could have disqualified his candidacy, the final judgment is not expected before election day, allowing Lee to remain in the race—for now.

Meanwhile, former Acting President Han Duck-soo has officially resigned and is expected to declare his candidacy tomorrow.

His entry could trigger a last-minute conservative realignment, especially as the People Power Party is set to confirm its nominee later this week.

As parties gear up to finalize their candidates, we take a closer look at the prospects of the upcoming snap election.

And for this, we are joined by Hans Schattle, Professor of Political Science at Yonsei University, in the studio with us. Welcome.

Also joining us online is Choi Hyunsun, Professor of Public Administration at Myongji University. Great to have you.

(SCHATTLE) 1. So let's begin with the latest update: the Supreme Court's full bench has overturned the second trial's "not guilty verdict" for DP presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, who was indicted on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act.

The case has now been remanded for a new ruling with the implication of guilt.

Could you walk us through what this means for his presidential candidacy moving forward—and what the legal and political consequences could he face if the appeals court now returns a guilty verdict?

(CHOI) 2.Now to Prof.Choi, also today Former Acting President Han Duck-soo resigned from office and is expected to announce his candidacy tomorrow. It's widely expected that he'll align with the PPP, yet the party's nominee will only be finalized this Sunday. How do you interpret the timing—and what's the most likely scenario that could unfold around a conservative unity ticket?

(SCHATTLE) 3. Prof.Schattle, PPP candidate Kim Moon-soo has expressed openness to a unification effort, while his rival Han Dong-hoon has dismissed speculation of merging with Han Duck-soo. If the push for unification fails before the May 11th final registration deadline, what impact could that have on the conservative bloc's competitiveness in this race?

(CHOI) 4. Looking at the policy battlefield available so far, many of the leading promises, particularly around youth debt relief, AI education, and housing subsidies, are highly expansive. Prof.Choi, Are we seeing any credible fiscal roadmap from either side?

(SCHATTLE) 5. Former Acting President Han Duck-soo is expected to formally propose a shortened presidential term as part of his constitutional reform plan.

Prof.Schattle, What is the political logic behind the term reduction—and how might this differentiate him from DP candidate Lee Jae-myung, who has so far remained cautious on constitutional change?

(CHOI) 6. Both major parties now endorse a version of the 4.5-day workweek. The DP envisions a long-term shift toward a 4-day model, while the PPP proposes redistributing working hours. From a public administration standpoint Prof.Choi, how realistic is it for the government to oversee such a rollout across sectors with vastly different labor structures?

(SCHATTLE) 7. Meanwhile a recent survey by the Korea Manifesto Center on the top ten issues for voters in this election had been released.

For the first time, "restoring fairness and trust in institutions" ranked higher than jobs or housing. Prof.Schattle, What does this shift tell us about the psychological and political mood of the electorate?

(CHOI) 8. Younger voters—likely to be a decisive demographic—face competing visions: AI education, deregulated housing, debt relief, and even digital sovereignty.

Based on what's been proposed so far, what should parties prioritize to win over this critical bloc Prof.Choi?

(BOTH) 9.-10. Finally, what policies are voters ultimately looking for from both the former ruling party and the opposition, given the current political vacuum and the instability following the presidential impeachment?