• Lee Jae-myung leads the South Korean presidential race by over 10 percentage points against his main rival.
• The snap election will take place on June 3, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's ousting over a failed martial law declaration.
• Lee's campaign has shifted focus from radical proposals to more business-friendly policies.
• He has faced numerous controversies, including ongoing legal challenges and a previous assassination attempt.
• Despite controversies, Lee remains the frontrunner in the upcoming election.

Lee Jae-myung, the liberal candidate from South Korea's Democratic Party, is leading the polls significantly ahead of the snap presidential election scheduled for June 3. Recent surveys show him ahead of conservative rival Kim Moon-soo by more than 10 percentage points, highlighting a dramatic turnaround since controversies plagued his earlier campaigns. The political landscape has been compounding since the removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted following an attempt to impose martial law, an event that has polarised the nation further, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and BBC.

Lee has emerged as a prominent figure not only in politics but also as a symbol of resilience in South Korea, having overcome significant personal and professional obstacles, including a near-fatal stabbing incident and various legal challenges. His ascent to the forefront of South Korean politics represents a significant shift, particularly given that just months ago he was embroiled in legal controversies related to corruption and election law violations. His recent support surge follows the chaotic political events surrounding Yoon's administration, which sought to curb Lee's influence, reports BBC and Reuters.

Despite the controversies, including previous convictions and ongoing investigations regarding property scandals, Lee's backstory and political experience resonate with voters. Born into poverty and having worked various jobs as a child, Lee's personal narrative of perseverance appeals to South Korea's disenfranchised working class, a demographic that he has successfully engaged throughout his political career, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

In the wake of his rise, Lee has moderated some of his policy stances, including a shift away from proposals for universal basic income towards more business-friendly measures aimed at fostering economic growth. This adjustment is seen as a strategic move to capture the interests of centrist and conservative voters disillusioned by previous administrations’ performance, reflecting a growing recognition of economic pressures within the electorate, as noted by BBC and Reuters.

The upcoming election poses significant challenges not only for Lee but for the future of South Korean politics as a whole. A recent Gallup poll places Lee's support at 49%, while Kim Moon-soo trailed at 35%. This gap underscores the shifting political dynamics in South Korea, characterized by escalating tensions and public dissatisfaction towards established political norms, according to Channel News Asia.

As the election approaches, observers note that if Lee is successful, he will inherit a deeply polarised political landscape alongside pressing economic issues, including trade relations with the United States and the ongoing tensions concerning North Korea. His ability to navigate these issues will be critical for his administration and the future stability of South Korea, say analysts cited by Reuters and BBC.