Lee Jae-myung Projected to Win South Korea's Presidential Election

Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is projected to win South Korea's snap presidential election held on June 3, 2025, according to exit polls from major broadcasters. Lee, representing the Democratic Party, is expected to secure approximately 51.7% of the vote, surpassing conservative rival Kim Moon-soo by over 10 percentage points.

This election follows the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted after attempting to impose martial law in December 2024. Yoon's actions led to widespread protests and political upheaval, culminating in his impeachment by the National Assembly and subsequent removal by the Constitutional Court in April 2025.

Lee Jae-myung, a former human rights lawyer and governor, campaigned on promises of political reform and economic support for mid- to low-income families. He emphasized the need to restore democracy and hold accountable those involved in the previous administration's martial law declaration. Lee also proposed a constitutional amendment to make it more difficult to impose martial law, suggesting that parliamentary approval should be required within 24 hours of such a declaration.

Kim Moon-soo, the conservative candidate from the People Power Party, focused his campaign on economic revitalization through increased public spending and strengthening the manufacturing sector. He accused Lee of harboring authoritarian ambitions and promoted deregulation as a means to stimulate economic growth.

The election saw a voter turnout of 79.38%, the highest since the 1997 presidential election. Notably, major e-commerce and courier companies, including Coupang, CJ Logistics, and Hanjin Logistics, paused delivery services to allow workers to vote, highlighting the significance of civic participation and labor rights.

Due to the nature of the snap election, the victor is required to assume office immediately, bypassing the customary two-month transition period. This provision aims to swiftly restore political stability and address pressing economic challenges.

Lee's projected victory is seen as a significant political shift, reflecting the public's desire for stability and reform following the turmoil of the previous administration. His administration is expected to focus on political reform, economic support for mid- to low-income families, and pragmatic diplomacy, affirming South Korea’s alliance with the U.S. while cautiously approaching relations with North Korea.

This election marks the second time in South Korea's history that a president has been impeached and removed from office, the first being President Park Geun-hye in 2017. The circumstances surrounding Yoon's impeachment, particularly the declaration of martial law, are unprecedented in the country's modern democratic history. The swift and decisive actions taken by the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court underscore the resilience of South Korea's democratic institutions.

As Lee Jae-myung prepares to assume office, the nation looks toward a period of political stability and economic recovery, with hopes that the new administration will address the challenges facing South Korea and restore public trust in its democratic processes.