Lee Jae-myung Set to Become South Korea’s Next President, Early Projections Show
content-team
June 3, 2025 — Seoul
South Korea appears ready for a political shift as early election results indicate Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, is on course to win the presidential race held today. This snap election was called after the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, following his contentious imposition of martial law last December.
Lee’s Victory Resonates with Voters
Exit polls suggest Lee secured just over half the vote share, decisively outpacing his main rival, conservative candidate Kim Moon-soo. Lee’s campaign focused on economic recovery, expanding social welfare, and balanced foreign relations—policies that resonated with a population weary of recent political turmoil. His platform, often referred to as "Meoksanism," centers on practical reforms such as boosting employment, affordable housing, and strengthening social safety nets.
From Advocacy to Leadership
Lee Jae-myung has long been a prominent figure in South Korean politics. Before pursuing the presidency, he built his reputation as a human rights lawyer and served as governor of the populous Gyeonggi Province. Although he lost narrowly in the 2022 presidential contest, the political upheaval in 2024 brought him back into the spotlight, culminating in a major victory for his party in last year’s parliamentary elections.
Hurdles on the Horizon
Despite the promising outlook, Lee faces considerable obstacles ahead. The political climate remains fractured, and his legal challenges related to alleged election law violations loom large, potentially complicating his administration’s early months. Managing national reconciliation while navigating these legal issues will be critical to his success.
Rapid Handover to Presidency
In an unusual move, Lee is expected to take office immediately after the election results are confirmed, skipping the usual transition period. This swift handover reflects the urgency of restoring stability and addressing South Korea’s pressing social and economic issues. Lee has pledged to work toward healing political divisions and uniting the country.
