Liberal opposition leader Lee Jae–myung has been elected President of South Korea, defeating conservative rival Kim Moon–soo in a decisive victory. The snap election was triggered by the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol over a failed attempt to impose martial law in December.
Lee secured 49.3% of the vote, according to the National Election Commission, while Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP) garnered 41.3%, with over 99% of ballots counted. Voter turnout reached nearly 80% of the nation’s 44.39 million eligible voters, the highest recorded in a presidential election since 1997.
Just past midnight on Wednesday, Kim Moon-soo conceded defeat in a brief speech and congratulated the president-elect. “I humbly accept the people’s choice,”; Kim told reporters. “I congratulate President-elect Lee and wish him success.”;
In his victory speech outside parliament, Lee Jae-myung pledged to bring unity to a deeply divided country. “We can overcome this temporary difficulty with the combined strength of our people, who have great capabilities,”; he said. During his inauguration on Wednesday, the newly elected president reiterated his commitment to “serve with responsibility and unite the people.”;
Lee has outlined four key priorities for his presidency: restoring democracy, reviving the economy, protecting citizens, and ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula.
