South Korea is seeing high early voter turnout as it heads towards the June 3 presidential election, a crucial contest unfolding amid threats from China and strained relations with the U.S. due to tariffs.

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party’s progressive leader, is currently the frontrunner. However, his pledge to adopt a “pragmatic” approach to geopolitics, including softening his stance on China and reducing reliance on the U.S., has sparked debate.

“The alliance with the U.S. is the foundation of South Korea’s diplomacy,” Lee stated during a debate earlier in June.

Lee advocated for expanding the U.S.-South Korea-Japan partnership but also argued that Seoul should not be “unilaterally bound” to Washington, especially concerning U.S. geopolitical rivalries.

“We should not neglect ties with China or Russia. We need to manage them appropriately, and there’s no need to have an unnecessarily hostile approach like now,” Lee added during the debate.

Michelle Steel, a former Republican Congresswoman from California who was born in South Korea, highlighted the global concerns arising from China’s “bullying” in the region.

“China [poses] the biggest threat, and they already told the whole world that they’re going to take over Taiwan,” she told Digital. “When they take over, where are they going to go [to] next? South Korea or Japan? The Philippines?

“China has been always fighting to expand.”

Foreign policy has become a key issue in the presidential race following the political turmoil caused by the impeachment of conservative former President Yoon in December 2024.

Yoon strongly aligned with the U.S. regarding activity in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, where Beijing has been accused of expansion, militarization, and obstructing freedom of navigation in disputed areas.

Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), Lee’s main opponent and a former labor minister under Yoon, challenged the democratic candidate’s position on China and the U.S.

However, Lee has refuted claims that he is not prioritizing the U.S. alliance, stating during the debate, “There’s no need to worry. The South Korea-U.S. alliance is important and should continue to grow and strengthen.”

He did, however, warn that certain actions by the Trump administration, including tariffs announced earlier this year and the potential withdrawal of troops, have “eroded” the relationship.

“If the U.S. continues this way — eroding its soft power and the trust of other nations — it won’t be sustainable. At some point, brakes will be applied,” Lee said. “Until then, endurance is key.”

Steel asserted that “South Korean people understand the importance of a strong relationship with the United States.”

“Whatever the outcome of the election, South Korean leaders should embrace President Trump and look to make an incredible trade deal that will benefit everyone,” she added.

David Eunkoo Kim, founder and president of the Truth Forum, a conservative youth organization established at Seoul National University, is among those unconvinced by Lee’s stance on U.S. relations.

“This election is widely seen as a pivotal moment for South Korea because the stakes — both domestically and geopolitically — are extraordinarily high,” Kim stated.

“Throughout his political career, (Lee) has consistently aligned himself with both pro-North Korean and pro-Chinese agendas. He has been implicated in sending funds to North Korea in violation of U.N. sanctions, and his deference to China has been nothing short of submissive,” Kim said.

Kim was referring to Lee’s indictment for an illegal cash transfer scheme to North Korea, though Lee denies the accusations and claims they are politically motivated.

During this month’s debate, Lee’s opponents alleged that Lee also presents a “North Korea risk” amid growing concerns about Pyongyang’s military activities.

Lee insists that he seeks to de-escalate tensions with North Korea through peaceful diplomacy.

But David Eunkoo Kim told Digital that Lee’s legal issues represent another geopolitical vulnerability.

“With multiple criminal investigations looming, he has every incentive to cling to power at all costs — even if that means aligning South Korea more closely with Beijing,” he said. “And this concern is not theoretical.

“China is already aggressively asserting influence in the region.”

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