Lee Jae-myung Secures Victory in South Korea’s Presidential Snap Election
Lee Jae-myung, the liberal Democratic Party candidate, has emerged as the winner of South Korea’s recent presidential snap election. According to official results, Lee secured 49.25% of the vote compared to 41.40% for his main conservative rival, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP). With nearly all ballots counted, Kim acknowledged defeat and extended his congratulations to Lee.
Background on Lee Jae-myung
Lee Jae-myung is a former human rights lawyer who has long been active in South Korean politics. Raised in poverty and having worked as a factory worker, Lee’s rise to political prominence began as the mayor of Seongnam and subsequently as governor of Gyeonggi Province. He is widely recognized for his outspoken style and progressive policies.
During his campaign, Lee focused on pressing issues such as restoring democratic norms, reducing social inequality, and promoting peaceful relations with North Korea. Notably, Lee led the impeachment effort against former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office in April 2025 following controversial actions, including the imposition of martial law during nationwide protests.
The Role of the Conservative Rival, Kim Moon-soo
Kim Moon-soo, a former labor minister representing the People Power Party, lagged behind Lee in the election with just over 41% of the vote. His campaign struggled due to his association with the impeached former president Yoon and internal divisions within the conservative camp. Additionally, the emergence of a third-party conservative candidate, Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party, further fragmented the right-wing vote.
Factors Contributing to Lee’s Victory
Lee’s position as a staunch opponent of the previous administration and his firm stance against the declaration of martial law helped him consolidate support. The People Power Party’s internal disputes and inability to present a unified platform weakened their electoral chances. Lee’s message resonated with voters eager for political stability and policy reforms, which was reflected in the high voter turnout.
What Lies Ahead for South Korea?
Lee Jae-myung is set to be inaugurated as South Korea’s 14th president, serving a single five-year term as mandated by the constitution. The snap election saw an impressive voter turnout of nearly 80% among the country’s 44.4 million eligible voters—the highest participation rate since 1997.
Moving forward, Lee faces the challenge of steering South Korea through political recovery while addressing social and economic inequalities. Relations with North Korea and ensuring democratic governance are expected to be key priorities during his administration.
