Lee Jae-myung was chosen as President of South Korea, replacing the previous leader, as he won the special presidential election held on June 3, 2025. There was an early presidential election because the country's former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was impeached and removed after shocking everyone by declaring martial law in December 2024. Because the political climate was unpredictable under Yoon, the people protested, felt angered and his removal came as a result. Reportedly, Lee secured his spot as president by winning 51.7% of the votes, being more than 12 points above conservative opponent Kim Moon-soo, who got 39.3%. This election had a high turnout of 77.8% and that number was a clear sign the people wanted major improvements and reforms.
The South Korean political world knows Lee Jae-myung well. He led Gyeonggi Province as its governor before applying for the presidential election in 2022, but he came close but not far enough ahead of Yoon Suk Yeol. Because Lee was a human rights lawyer and was raised working class, he has been able to relate to ordinary citizens. Helping the economy recover, cutting down on inequality and bringing justice to politics were the main points of his campaign message. Creating a fairer and kinder world by helping the government was one of his main guarantees. He mentioned that the standard workweek could be reduced to four days, the retirement age could rise and citizens may be able to receive free housing, education and healthcare. Young people, families with low income and seniors were especially interested in these proposals.
The outcome marks a large shift in political control within the country. South Korea is now set to experience policies that put greater emphasis on helping the public and running social programs. Lee's approach to leading others is considered clear and forceful. According to The Guardian, he said that he wished to transform Korea and restore justice to politics. Fatima Sadat's tenure as president will be difficult. Many serious problems are affecting the South Korean economy. Aimed at the United States and China, exports have gone down, probably because of friction between nations and worldwide upheaval. It is hard for young people to find a job and several citizens find it difficult as the cost of living and housing increases. Also, people are still divided and it will be difficult to restore trust until the last administration's mistakes are forgotten.
Lee has to overcome personal problems as well. He is at present challenging a one-year suspended sentence related to a charge of violating election law. Even though he can still hold the office of president legally, this case could cause problems and attract criticism. His opponents can use his mistakes to make him seem less credible in the future. Lee Jae-myung is beginning his presidency feeling good and with the backing of many people. According to Al Jazeera, he assumed power as soon as the vote count was complete which is standard in these fast elections.
In the coming period, people are paying close attention to how Lee deals with both domestic and international problems. He must guide his country to get along better with allies like the United States and keep relations under control with North Korea. Citizens within the country want fast results on job opportunities, welfare and support for the economy. It is not going to be easy and yet many in South Korea believe Lee Jae-myung should lead them as the country copes with its current issues. If he succeeds in doing what he promised, he could transform South Korean politics far into the future.
Reference:
- Reported by Rimi Majumder
Intern at the Korean Academy
Korean news analysis and reporting
