Lee Jae-myung Elected President Amid South Korea's Political Turmoil

Liberal opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has been elected President of South Korea, securing approximately 51.7% of the vote in the snap presidential election held on June 3, 2025. His conservative opponent, Kim Moon-soo, conceded after garnering about 39.3% of the vote. This election was necessitated by the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted following his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024.

The political crisis began on December 3, 2024, when President Yoon declared martial law, accusing the Democratic Party of "anti-state activities" and collaboration with North Korea. This move was widely perceived as an attempted self-coup. The National Assembly swiftly opposed the declaration, and by December 14, Yoon was impeached. The Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment on April 4, 2025, leading to his removal from office.

Lee Jae-myung, a former human rights lawyer and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, previously ran for president in 2022 but narrowly lost. In the 2025 election, he rebranded himself as a "centrist conservative" to appeal to a broader electorate. His campaign emphasized economic stabilization, increased public spending, and strengthening the manufacturing sector. Lee also advocated for renewed high-level talks with the U.S. on trade and defense, while seeking improved relations with China, Russia, and North Korea.

The election saw a voter turnout exceeding 80%, reflecting the public's engagement following the political upheaval. Conservative candidate Kim Moon-soo conceded defeat, acknowledging Lee's victory. Due to the early nature of the election, Lee is set to assume office immediately, bypassing the standard transition period.

Lee's victory signifies a public desire for political stability and economic recovery. His administration faces challenges such as declining exports to the U.S. due to new tariffs and a downgraded growth forecast. Lee's proposed policies aim to address these issues through increased public spending and bolstering the manufacturing sector.

This election marks a significant shift in South Korea's political landscape, reminiscent of the 2017 impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. However, the circumstances differ, with Yoon's impeachment stemming from an unprecedented martial law declaration.

Lee Jae-myung's election as President of South Korea marks a pivotal moment in the nation's history, signaling a shift towards political stability and economic recovery after a period of significant turmoil.