Shocking Turnaround: Lee Jae-myung Clinches South Korea's Presidency After Political Turmoil
Shocking Turnaround: Lee Jae-myung Clinches South Korea's Presidency After Political Turmoil - In a dramatic political comeback, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party has officially been elected as South Korea's new president, securing 49.39% of the vote—roughly 17.2 million ballots cast in his favor.
He defeated conservative challenger Kim Moon-soo from the People Power Party, who garnered 41.19% (around 14.4 million votes). Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok trailed with 8.33% of the vote.
This snap election, held on June 3, 2025, was triggered by the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol in April following his controversial attempt to invoke martial law. The nation saw a high voter turnout of 79.38%, signaling intense public interest and engagement during a time of political crisis.
Lee Jae-myung, a former human rights lawyer and labor activist, had previously lost by a razor-thin margin in the 2022 election. His 2025 campaign focused on restoring democratic stability, revitalizing the economy, and healing the country’s deep political divide.
He also pledged a pragmatic foreign policy—strengthening ties with the United States while balancing relations with China and Japan.
With his victory, the Democratic Party now controls both the executive and legislative branches, positioning them to push forward sweeping reforms through at least 2028. Lee’s presidency officially begins today, June 4, with no transition period.
He immediately faces major challenges: a slowing economy, rising regional tensions, and the urgent task of national reconciliation following a tumultuous political chapter in Korean history.
