The foreign policy stakes behind South Korea’s vote

Regardless of who wins the election, the incoming administration needs to reset South Korea's foreign policy as one of the core national missions, especially after months of a hiatus in diplomacy.

But how this is done will vary depending on who actually becomes the next president.

Our Kim Jung-sil reports.

Three front-runners.

Three different visions for South Korea's role on the global stage.

In their final televised debate, the candidates outlined foreign policy agendas that could reshape the country's position in a region facing rapid change.

Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung called for balance between the U.S. alliance and stable ties with China and Russia.

He warned of a diplomatic vacuum since the December 3rd martial law unrest and said South Korea's approach must evolve.

"The U.S. alliance is the foundation of our foreign policy. It must be developed practically, inclusively, and with a long-term vision. But we must not neglect ties with China and Russia, they require careful, strategic management."

On North Korea, Lee seems to be charting a different course from past progressive leaders, favoring step-by-step engagement over demands for immediate denuclearization.

Conservative candidate Kim Moon-soo took a harder line, saying diplomacy must be backed by strength.

"Kim Jong-un's dictatorship threatens our lives and property with nuclear weapons and missile provocations. I will build a transparent, principled inter-Korean relationship and strengthen our defenses by reinforcing nuclear deterrence through the U.S. alliance."

At the same time, his team told Arirang News he's open to meeting North Korea's leader, while supporting economic and cultural engagement, as long as it's grounded in South Korea's constitutional principle of one unified nation.

At 40, Lee Jun-seok is the youngest candidate in the race.

Last week, he laid out his latest foreign policy vision, backed by sweeping institutional reform.

"The president of South Korea must have international experience and a practical mindset. If elected, I will merge the unification and foreign ministries, and appoint a deputy prime minister for national security to oversee foreign affairs, unification and defense policies."

Lee says South Korea should lead its alliance and not just rely on it.

Three visions for South Korea's future on the world stage. By tonight, one of them will begin to shape it.

Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.