South Korea’s centre-left leader, Lee Jae-myung, has been declared president after winning a snap election. His victory follows the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who attempted to impose martial law in December.
Lee defeated conservative rival Kim Moon-soo, securing 49.42% of the vote. His term began immediately after the National Election Commission certified the results.
“The National Election Commission hereby declares Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party as the elected president,” said NEC Chairperson Roh Tae-ak.
Unlike regular elections, which allow for a transition period, Lee assumed office without delay due to the snap election.
His administration faces economic struggles, a global trade war, and concerns over military ties between North Korea and Russia.
“Though we may have clashed for a while, even those who did not support us are still fellow citizens of the Republic of Korea,” Lee told supporters.
Foreign Policy and Domestic Priorities
Lee pledged to pursue dialogue with North Korea, aiming for peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity.
“We will find a path toward peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity,” he said.
His first day includes a military briefing, a visit to the National Cemetery, and a modest inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly.
Lee is expected to reject the Yongsan presidential office, which was hastily converted by Yoon Suk Yeol, and focus on key cabinet appointments.
Experts predict a shift in foreign policy, with Lee prioritizing U.S. relations while engaging China and North Korea.
“Lee is expected to prioritize the alliance with the United States while simultaneously seeking engagement with both China and North Korea,” said Stanford University Professor Gi-Wook Shin.
More About Lee Jae-myung
Lee Jae-myung left school at 13 to work in factories, where he suffered an injury that left him disabled. Undeterred, he studied at night to become a human rights lawyer. Now he’s the President.
He was once stabbed in the neck while holding a press conference, almost died during a hunger strike against corruption and in December 2024, and climbed the fence into the parliament hall, which he stormed while it was being held by the military just to vote to end the martial law.
It’s unclear what will happen to Lee Jae-myung’s criminal cases now that he’s president. He faces allegations of election-law violations related to a 2021 land scandal and charges of forcing false testimony in 2019. Courts must decide if these postponed trials will proceed.
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