Lee Jae-myung Wins Early Presidential Election in South Korea
Liberal candidate secures victory against conservative rival amid political crisis.
SEOUL - Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung has emerged victorious in the early presidential election in South Korea, defeating conservative Kim Moon-soo.
This election follows a significant political crisis triggered by the actions of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who faced impeachment after attempting to impose martial law.
According to the National Election Commission, with more than 99% of ballots counted, Lee received 49.3% of the vote compared to Kim's 41.3%.
Voter turnout was recorded at nearly 80% of the 44.39 million eligible voters, marking a record participation rate for a presidential election in South Korea since 1997.
Despite initial projections suggesting a substantial loss, Kim Moon-soo conceded defeat earlier in the day.
In his speech to supporters outside the National Assembly following the election results, Lee Jae-myung committed to promoting national unity, revitalizing the economy, and fostering peace with North Korea.
Lee previously ran for president in 2022 and characterized this election as a moment of judgment for former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his People Power Party.
Yoon's presidency came to an abrupt end when the National Assembly impeached him, a decision confirmed by the Constitutional Court in April, which led to the early election being scheduled in accordance with legal provisions.
Since Yoon's ousting, three interim presidents have taken charge, and Yoon, along with other senior officials, is currently facing criminal charges related to insurrection.
Kim Moon-soo served as the Minister of Labor during Yoon's tenure and was present during the controversial attempts to implement martial law.
Lee previously defied security measures to vote against Yoon's martial law decree in Parliament, which was ultimately abandoned.
The incoming administration will be tasked with addressing the unprecedented political turmoil that has undermined South Korea's image of democratic stability, fueled societal divisions, and impacted the nation’s economy.
The country maintains the fourth largest economy in Asia, heavily reliant on exports and notably affected by the protectionist policies of the former U.S. President Donald Trump.
As a key ally of Washington, Seoul may witness shifts in both domestic and foreign policy under Lee Jae-myung’s leadership.
The inauguration ceremony for the new president is scheduled for Wednesday.
This election follows a significant political crisis triggered by the actions of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who faced impeachment after attempting to impose martial law.
According to the National Election Commission, with more than 99% of ballots counted, Lee received 49.3% of the vote compared to Kim's 41.3%.
Voter turnout was recorded at nearly 80% of the 44.39 million eligible voters, marking a record participation rate for a presidential election in South Korea since 1997.
Despite initial projections suggesting a substantial loss, Kim Moon-soo conceded defeat earlier in the day.
In his speech to supporters outside the National Assembly following the election results, Lee Jae-myung committed to promoting national unity, revitalizing the economy, and fostering peace with North Korea.
Lee previously ran for president in 2022 and characterized this election as a moment of judgment for former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his People Power Party.
Yoon's presidency came to an abrupt end when the National Assembly impeached him, a decision confirmed by the Constitutional Court in April, which led to the early election being scheduled in accordance with legal provisions.
Since Yoon's ousting, three interim presidents have taken charge, and Yoon, along with other senior officials, is currently facing criminal charges related to insurrection.
Kim Moon-soo served as the Minister of Labor during Yoon's tenure and was present during the controversial attempts to implement martial law.
Lee previously defied security measures to vote against Yoon's martial law decree in Parliament, which was ultimately abandoned.
The incoming administration will be tasked with addressing the unprecedented political turmoil that has undermined South Korea's image of democratic stability, fueled societal divisions, and impacted the nation’s economy.
The country maintains the fourth largest economy in Asia, heavily reliant on exports and notably affected by the protectionist policies of the former U.S. President Donald Trump.
As a key ally of Washington, Seoul may witness shifts in both domestic and foreign policy under Lee Jae-myung’s leadership.
The inauguration ceremony for the new president is scheduled for Wednesday.