Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung will become South Korea’s next president following a decisive victory in a snap election held on 3 June 2025.
With over 99% of the vote counted, Lee holds a lead of more than 2 million votes, according to results released by the National Election Commission. His main rival, Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party, conceded defeat early on 4 June.
Kim congratulated Lee and said he “humbly accept(s) the people’s decision,” formally ending a turbulent election cycle.
The vote comes six months after former President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, sparking a constitutional crisis that resulted in his impeachment and ouster in April.
Since then, the nation has experienced a power vacuum and a series of interim leaders. Lee’s election now signals a potential return to political stability in the US ally and global economic player.
Addressing supporters in Seoul, Lee stopped short of declaring victory outright but said he would work to “restore the economy” and prevent future military coups. He described himself as “the person with a very high chance to be your next president.”
Turnout for the election reached nearly 80%, the highest since 1997. Analysts say this reflects both the public’s frustration and their desire to stabilise the nation’s leadership.
Celeste Arrington, a political science professor at George Washington University, described Lee’s win as “a return to normal politics,” noting that his Democratic Party already holds a majority in the legislature, which could facilitate smoother governance.
Lee’s political rise is well-documented. From an underprivileged background, he became a human rights lawyer and entered politics as mayor of Seongnam before serving as governor of Gyeonggi Province.
He previously lost narrowly to Yoon in the 2022 presidential race, and survived an assassination attempt in January 2024. The attack, which occurred during a public event in Busan, left him with a neck injury requiring surgery.
Lee gained public attention during the martial law crisis when he livestreamed himself jumping over a fence to enter the National Assembly and vote against the decree.
On the campaign trail, he promised major political and economic reforms. These include curbing presidential powers to declare martial law, supporting a constitutional revision for two presidential terms, and fostering small businesses and AI development.
Despite his political credentials, Lee remains a divisive figure. He is currently facing several legal challenges, including allegations of bribery and involvement in a property scandal.
He also has a conviction related to making a false statement during a 2022 election debate, which is under appeal. Lee denies all allegations and claims they are politically motivated.
Park Chan-dae, acting leader of the Democratic Party, said the result reflects “people’s fiery judgement against the insurrection regime.”
Cho Hee-kyoung, a law professor at Hongik University, said the election was seen by many as a chance to hold accountable those responsible for the recent upheaval.
Internationally, Lee’s presidency comes at a critical juncture. South Korea’s economy is grappling with rising costs, sluggish consumption, and external challenges such as trade frictions with the United States.
Negotiations are underway with the US over tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump, including 25% duties on key South Korean exports. Lee’s team has pledged to rebuild trust with Washington while managing strategic relations with China and Russia.
Lee’s advisers say he intends to preserve South Korea’s alliance with the US as a diplomatic cornerstone, while seeking peace and stability in the region through engagement with China and North Korea.
Arrington noted that Lee avoided anti-Japan rhetoric on the campaign trail, a shift from past progressive candidates, which may support the continuation of trilateral ties among Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington.
Lee could be inaugurated as early as Wednesday, 5 June.
With pressing domestic and international issues awaiting, the new president’s leadership will be closely watched in the weeks to come.
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