South Korea's upcoming presidential election results suggest a significant win for Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, following months of political turmoil and a record voter turnout, as the country grapples with issues of public trust and economic uncertainty.
Lee Jae-myung Poised for Presidential Victory as South Korea Divided
Lee Jae-myung Poised for Presidential Victory as South Korea Divided
Exit polls indicate Lee Jae-myung's strong chance of winning the South Korean presidency, riding a wave of public discontent against his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol.
June 3, 2025, 10:06 p.m. Seoul time - Following a tumultuous political period marked by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial martial law decree, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's center-left candidate, appears set to claim the presidency, according to exit polls from major South Korean broadcasters. Polls conducted with a sample size of 80,000 voters indicate Lee with a substantial lead—51.7% of the vote—over his opponent Kim Moon-soo from the right-wing People Power Party, who stands at 39.3%.
Lee’s campaign has gained momentum amid rising public outrage towards Yoon, who was impeached earlier this year after attempting to assert control over the National Assembly through military force. Analysts expect Lee's presidency to herald greater authority and influence in recent South Korean leadership history, especially given the Democratic Party's majority in the National Assembly.
With voting concluded and turnout exceeding 79%—the highest since 1997—South Koreans now await the official announcement of results expected on Wednesday. Should Lee win, he aims to address pressing national issues, including economic revival and political polarization, and has promised to pursue balanced diplomacy amid tensions with both the U.S. and China.
While his victory seems probable, Lee's ongoing criminal trials—deemed politically motivated by his supporters—cast uncertainty over his future tenure. The political landscape remains highly divided, raising concerns over potential challenges in uniting the electorate and confronting economic hardships ahead.
With the populace eager for change, Lee Jae-myung has emphasized moral authority and stability as necessary for national progress, while Kim Moon-soo has indicated he would perpetuate Yoon's policies, which have stirred discontent among many.
The election will not only determine the next leadership in South Korea but also reflect public sentiment in the aftermath of political upheavals that have left the country at a crossroads.
Lee’s campaign has gained momentum amid rising public outrage towards Yoon, who was impeached earlier this year after attempting to assert control over the National Assembly through military force. Analysts expect Lee's presidency to herald greater authority and influence in recent South Korean leadership history, especially given the Democratic Party's majority in the National Assembly.
With voting concluded and turnout exceeding 79%—the highest since 1997—South Koreans now await the official announcement of results expected on Wednesday. Should Lee win, he aims to address pressing national issues, including economic revival and political polarization, and has promised to pursue balanced diplomacy amid tensions with both the U.S. and China.
While his victory seems probable, Lee's ongoing criminal trials—deemed politically motivated by his supporters—cast uncertainty over his future tenure. The political landscape remains highly divided, raising concerns over potential challenges in uniting the electorate and confronting economic hardships ahead.
With the populace eager for change, Lee Jae-myung has emphasized moral authority and stability as necessary for national progress, while Kim Moon-soo has indicated he would perpetuate Yoon's policies, which have stirred discontent among many.
The election will not only determine the next leadership in South Korea but also reflect public sentiment in the aftermath of political upheavals that have left the country at a crossroads.
