Seoul (Web Desk): Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea’s centre-left Democratic Party, has been declared the winner of the snap presidential election held on June 3, 2025.
The vote followed months of political upheaval, culminating in the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol after his controversial decision to declare martial law, a move that threw the country into crisis.
With official results released by the National Election Commission, Lee secured 49.42% of the vote, defeating conservative challenger Kim Moon-soo, who garnered 41.15%.
The turnout for the election reached an impressive 77.8%, the highest in nearly thirty years, reflecting the public’s heightened engagement in the wake of recent turmoil.
As the final ballots were counted, Kim Moon-soo conceded the race, congratulating Lee and pledging to accept the outcome. “I will humbly accept the choice of the people. Congratulations to the elected candidate Lee Jae-myung,” he stated.
In his victory speech, Lee thanked voters for their trust and emphasized his commitment to living up to their expectations. “I will do my utmost to fulfil the great responsibility and mission entrusted to me, so as not to disappoint the expectations of our people,” he said.
Lee’s election marks a turning point in South Korean politics, bringing a shift toward progressive leadership after a period of institutional instability.
His administration is expected to prioritize democratic restoration, economic revitalization, and a balanced foreign policy, including a renewed focus on inter-Korean engagement.
His win is being seen as a strong public mandate to steer the country out of crisis and rebuild trust in its democratic institutions.