Liberal Lee Jae-Myung Elected South Korea President in Landslide Victory Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung wins South Korea’s presidency after Kim Moon Soo concedes defeat. Lee promises national unity, economic recovery, and stable foreign policy. His leadership follows months of political upheaval after Yoon Suk Yeol’s ousting.
Lee Jae-myung Presidential Victory: Quick Looks
- Lee Jae-myung wins South Korea’s presidency in high-turnout election
- Conservative rival Kim Moon Soo concedes defeat, congratulates Lee
- Lee pledges to prevent future coups and revive South Korea’s economy
- Plans pragmatic diplomacy with U.S., China, and North Korea
- Promises unity and justice following Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law scandal
- Faces challenges including Trump’s new tariffs and economic slowdown
Liberal Lee Jae-Myung Elected President of South Korea in Landslide Victory
Deep Look
South Korea has elected liberal opposition leader Lee Jae-myung as its new president, concluding a turbulent political period triggered by the impeachment and removal of former conservative president Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee’s conservative challenger, Kim Moon Soo, officially conceded in the early hours of Wednesday, stating he “humbly accepts the people’s choice” and offered congratulations to Lee.
The election, which drew nearly 80% voter turnout—one of the highest in South Korea’s history—showcased a clear public desire for stability and reform. With over 73% of ballots counted, Lee led with more than 48% of the vote, while Kim trailed at 42.9%. Exit polls had forecast a Lee victory with over 51% support.
Lee addressed jubilant supporters outside the National Assembly and his Incheon residence, stating that the vote proved “power comes from the people.” He promised to prevent any repeat of military interventions, begin economic recovery efforts on day one, and work toward peace on the Korean peninsula.
The former governor of Gyeonggi province and Seongnam mayor rose from humble beginnings—having worked in chemical factories as a child—to become one of South Korea’s most prominent liberal figures. Lee is known for his populist rhetoric, drawing comparisons to both Bernie Sanders and, more recently, Donald Trump for his negotiation-first approach.
On foreign policy, Lee has emphasized pragmatic diplomacy, reaffirming South Korea’s alliance with the United States while advocating a balanced approach between U.S. and Chinese interests. Despite earlier criticism for appearing too lenient toward China and North Korea, Lee has since reinforced his commitment to the U.S.-Korea-Japan alliance and has stated that direct engagement with Kim Jong Un would be “very difficult” in the near term.
Lee inherits a complex geopolitical landscape. President Trump recently announced tariff hikes on South Korean steel and aluminum, increasing them to 50%. The Bank of Korea slashed the nation’s 2025 growth outlook to 0.8%, citing those tariffs and weakened domestic demand due to ongoing political instability.
While Kim Moon Soo vowed to seek an immediate summit with Trump, Lee has taken a more cautious route, arguing that rushing negotiations would be a mistake. Trade officials in Seoul are currently preparing countermeasures, signaling difficult economic discussions ahead.
Domestically, Lee’s ascent is also viewed as a reset for South Korea’s democracy. Yoon’s abrupt imposition of martial law in April shocked the nation and led to months of protests, political instability, and his eventual removal. Lee, while promising national healing, has also called for thorough investigations into those involved in the incident, drawing concerns over potential political retribution.
In a social media post, Lee urged voters to deliver “a stern and resolute judgement” against those responsible for the martial law decision, warning that a Kim win would threaten democracy and human rights. Kim, meanwhile, accused Lee of seeking excessive power.
Lee now takes office immediately, skipping the typical two-month transition, and will serve a full five-year term. His administration is expected to focus first on restoring public trust, stabilizing the economy, and navigating an increasingly tense foreign policy environment shaped by U.S. trade pressure and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Observers say Lee’s presidency represents both an opportunity and a test for South Korea—to bridge internal divisions, manage global alliances with finesse, and push for economic policies that resonate with the country’s struggling middle and working classes.
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