South Korea’s centre-left leader Lee Jae-myung secured a decisive victory in Wednesday’s snap presidential election, ending six months of political chaos triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration.
Official results showed Lee defeated conservative rival Kim Moon-soo, who conceded as votes were tallied.
Voter turnout reached 79.4%—the highest since 1997—reflecting public demand for stability after months of constitutional crisis.
Healing Divisions, Pivoting on North Korea
In his acceptance speech, Lee pledged to bridge South Korea’s deep partisan divides, addressing non-supporters as "fellow citizens" and promising a "fresh start." He committed to dialogue with North Korea, marking a sharp departure from Yoon’s hawkish policies. The shift comes amid heightened tensions with Pyongyang, which recently tested intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Mandate Forged in Crisis
Lee’s win is widely seen as a rebuke of Yoon’s authoritarian overreach. Last December, Yoon deployed troops to parliament during protests, leading to his impeachment—the second conservative president ousted since Park Geun-hye in 2017. Stanford professor Gi-Wook Shin called the election a "consequential turning point," signaling public rejection of "illiberal measures."
Challenges Ahead
Lee faces immediate tests: revitalizing an export-driven economy strained by U.S.-China trade tensions, reversing the world’s lowest birth rate, and countering North Korea’s expanding nuclear arsenal. His controversial past—including corruption scandals—looms as a governing hurdle. Analysts note his victory reflects voter pragmatism amid limited choices rather than strong personal endorsement.
Security and Symbolism
Amid threats, Lee campaigned in a bulletproof vest behind protective glass—a stark reminder of his 2024 assassination attempt. Thousands of police secured inauguration proceedings, underscoring lingering tensions. Lee takes office immediately, tasked with uniting a nation fractured by months of unrest.