What's happened
Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party has won South Korea's presidential election with 51.7% of the vote, defeating conservative candidate Kim Moon-soo, who received 39.3%. The election follows the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk-yeol. Lee's inauguration is expected shortly after the results are certified.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Voter Turnout: With 77.8% of eligible voters participating, this election reflects significant public engagement, likely driven by the recent political turmoil.
- Political Landscape: Lee's victory indicates a shift towards progressive policies in South Korea, contrasting with the previous administration's conservative stance.
- Challenges Ahead: Lee will face the task of uniting a divided electorate and addressing economic vulnerabilities exacerbated by external pressures, such as U.S. tariffs.
- Foreign Policy Implications: Lee's approach may lead to a more balanced relationship with both the U.S. and China, differing from Kim's hardline stance on North Korea.
- Future Governance: The absence of a traditional transition period may lead to rapid policy changes as Lee assumes office, impacting both domestic and international relations.
What the papers say
According to The Japan Times, Lee secured a decisive 51.7% of the vote, while Kim Moon-soo trailed at 39.3%. Al Jazeera highlighted the unusual circumstances of the election, noting that the new president would take office immediately after certification. The South China Morning Post emphasized the implications of Lee's victory for South Korea's foreign policy, particularly regarding relations with North Korea and the U.S. These sources collectively illustrate the significance of this election in shaping South Korea's political future.
How we got here
The election was triggered by the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk-yeol in April 2025 due to his controversial martial law decree. Lee Jae-myung, a progressive candidate, campaigned on promises of increased government spending and labor protections, while Kim Moon-soo represented the conservative People Power Party.
Go deeper
- What are Lee Jae-myung's main policies?
- How will this election impact South Korea's economy?
- What challenges does Lee face as president?
More on these topics
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.
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Kim Moon-soo may refer to:
Kim Moon-soo (politician) (born 1951), Korean politician and the 32nd Governor of Gyeonggi Province, Korea
Kim Moon-soo (badminton) (born 1963), former badminton player from South Korea
Kim Moon-soo (novelist) (1939-2012) Korea
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Lee Jae-myung is a South Korean politician and attorney who has been serving as Governor of Gyeonggi Province since 2018. Prior to this, he served as Mayor of Seongnam, the tenth largest city in South Korea, from 2010 to 2018.