SEOUL: Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party has been elected President of South Korea in a snap election triggered by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The result, confirmed early Wednesday, showed an unassailable lead over his conservative rival, Kim Moon-soo, who subsequently conceded defeat and extended his congratulations.
The outcome restores the Democratic Party to full control of South Korea’s government, with both the executive and legislative branches now under its leadership for the first time since 2022.
Mr Lee, who refrained from formally declaring victory during a speech to supporters in Seoul, reiterated his administration’s priorities: economic revitalisation and national unity.
“Let us move forward with hope and make a fresh start from this moment on,” he stated. “Though we may have clashed for some time, even those who did not support us are still our fellow citizens of the Republic of Korea.”
Voter turnout reached a record high of 77.8%, the highest in the nation’s electoral history. South Korean media cited exit polls predicting a likely victory for Lee shortly after polling closed, a projection that materialised hours later.
Kim Moon-soo, who previously served as Minister for Employment and Labour in Yoon’s Cabinet, acknowledged the result and told reporters he “humbly accepts the people’s choice”.
Mr Yoon’s downfall stemmed from a controversial and abrupt declaration of martial law in December, which he claimed was necessary to preserve national security in the face of ideological threats. Initially pointing to North Korean infiltration, he later shifted his accusations towards Chinese influence. The move provoked mass protests, particularly among younger South Koreans, and culminated in a successful parliamentary impeachment.
Despite holding considerable support from older and conservative voters, Mr Yoon’s refusal to step down voluntarily after impeachment is believed to have significantly swayed public sentiment in favour of Mr Lee and the Democratic Party.
Mr Lee narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon by just 247,077 votes, underscoring the political volatility that has gripped the nation in recent years.
Given the extraordinary circumstances surrounding this election, no formal transition period is scheduled. Mr Lee will be inaugurated as the 21st President of South Korea on Wednesday, only hours after the final ballots were counted.
-CBS News
