What's happened
Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party has won South Korea's snap presidential election, securing 49.3% of the vote against Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, who received 41.3%. This election follows the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, triggered by his controversial martial law declaration. Voter turnout reached nearly 80%, the highest since 1997.
What's behind the headline?
Political Landscape Shift
- Lee's Victory: Lee Jae-myung's win marks a significant shift in South Korea's political landscape, moving from conservative to liberal leadership after a period of turmoil.
- Public Sentiment: The high voter turnout reflects widespread public desire for change following Yoon's controversial actions.
- Challenges Ahead: Lee faces the daunting task of uniting a deeply divided nation, addressing economic inequality, and managing foreign relations, particularly with North Korea and the United States.
- Potential for Reform: Lee's background as a human rights lawyer and his promises to tackle corruption and inequality may resonate with voters seeking reform.
- International Relations: His approach to foreign policy, balancing relations with the U.S. and North Korea, will be closely watched, especially given the current geopolitical tensions.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reported that Lee secured 49.3% of the vote, emphasizing his commitment to restoring democracy. SBS highlighted the election's historical turnout, framing it as a 'judgment day' against Yoon's martial law. The Independent noted Lee's plans for dialogue with North Korea, while the New York Times pointed out the significant challenges he faces in a divided nation. AP News described Lee's tumultuous past and the mixed public sentiment surrounding his presidency, indicating both hope and fear among citizens. Al Jazeera and The Guardian provided context on the political crisis leading to the election, underscoring the urgency for effective leadership in South Korea.
How we got here
The election was called after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached for imposing martial law in December 2024. This led to significant political turmoil, including protests and a leadership vacuum, ultimately resulting in Lee's candidacy gaining momentum as public discontent grew.
Go deeper
- What challenges will Lee face as president?
- How will Lee's policies differ from Yoon's?
- What impact will this election have on South Korea's future?
Common question
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What are the key candidates and issues in South Korea's presidential election?
As South Korea approaches its pivotal presidential election on June 3, 2025, the political landscape is charged with urgency and uncertainty. With the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol still fresh in the minds of voters, key candidates like Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo are vying for the presidency. This page explores the main candidates, the pressing issues at stake, and the implications of recent political turmoil.
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What to Expect from Lee Jae-myung's Presidency in South Korea?
Lee Jae-myung has recently been elected as South Korea's new president, following a significant political shift triggered by the impeachment of former leader Yoon Suk Yeol. With a focus on addressing economic challenges and navigating geopolitical tensions, many are curious about what his presidency will entail. Here are some common questions regarding Lee's policies and the implications of his leadership.
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What does Lee Jae-myung's presidency mean for South Korea's future?
Lee Jae-myung's recent victory in South Korea's snap presidential election marks a pivotal moment for the nation. With a strong mandate from voters, Lee aims to tackle pressing issues like economic inequality and North Korea relations. But what does this mean for the future of South Korea? Below, we explore key questions surrounding his presidency.
More on these topics
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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.
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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 (Korean: 김문수; born August 27, 1951) is a South Korean politician and former labor activist who served as the minister of employment and labor from 2024 to 2025. A member of the People Power Party, he was the party's nominee in the 2025
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The People Power Party (PPP; Korean: 국민의힘; lit. Power of Nationals) is a conservative and right-wing political party in South Korea. It is the second-largest party in the National Assembly. The PPP, along with its historic rival, the Democratic Pa