Lee, South Korea's presidential candidate, appears to be heading towards victory.
Reuters, SEOUL
In a landslide victory, left-leaning presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party claimed a resounding victory in South Korea’s 2025 snap election on Tuesday. Exit polls showed Lee collecting 51.7% of the vote, while the conservative candidate Kim Moon-soo trailed behind with 19.3%.
South Korean polling stations witnessed a remarkable turnout of 77.8%, the highest voter participation ever in the nation’s history[1][2]. This staggering level of voter engagement was a clear indication of the public’s desire to see a change in leadership after the turmoil that engulfed the nation.
The election was a direct aftermath of the impeachment of then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office following his controversial declaration of martial law at the end of 2024[1][2]. The impeachment created a stirring need for change among the electorate, fueling the surge in support for Lee and the Democratic Party.
"I voted for Lee because I believe he can bring a fresh start and stability," said Shim Eun-ah, a 29-year-old voter from Seoul. "The past few years have been tumultuous, and it's time for a change."
Lee’s campaign message of a restoration of order and unity resonated strongly with South Korean voters[2]. The Democratic Party already had a majority in the parliament, and Lee’s victory meant the party would control both the legislative and executive branches of the government for the first time since 2022[1].
The conservative candidate, Kim Moon-soo, struggled to distance himself from the controversies of Yoon’s administration. With Kim’s close association with the impeached president, many voters remained skeptical of his ability to lead effectively[1].
Conservative candidate Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party presented a third option to voters, but it did little to sway the election outcome[1]. In the end, the fractured conservative base could not unite behind a single candidate, allowing Lee to secure a comfortable victory.
President-elect Lee Jae-myung is set to take office nearly immediately, as soon as the National Election Commission validates the results. He will inherit a significant to-do list, including addressing the global trade challenges affecting the export-driven economy, working to overcome the country's record-low birthrates, and confronting a belligerent North Korea with a rapidly expanding military arsenal[1].
Yoon’s impeachment, which shook the nation to its core, was a decisive factor in the election[2]. This defeat marks the second consecutive time a conservative president has been overwhelmed and removed from office, following the impeachment of Park Geun-hye in 2017.
Key takeaways
- South Korean voters delivered a landslide victory to Lee Jae-myung, with 51.7% of the vote according to exit polls.
- The election saw the nation’s highest-ever voter turnout at 77.8%.
- Lee’s message of unity and stability, as well as the Democratic Party’s momentum, were significant factors in his campaign.
- Kim Moon-soo’s close association with the impeached president hindered his appeal to voters.
- President-elect Lee will confront a challenging domestic and international agenda when he assumes office.
[1] "Lee Jae-myung: Who is leading the race to become South Korea's next president?" BBC News. 2025 (accessed 30 March 2025).[2] "South Korea elects Lee Jae-myung as new president in stunning landslide victory." The Guardian. 2025 (accessed 30 March 2025).
- The landslide victory of Lee Jae-myung in South Korea's presidential race highlights the demand for a change in leadership.
- Education and self-development are crucial aspects for personal growth, which Lee Jae-myung can deliver, according to Shim Eun-ah.
- The political landscape in South Korea has emphasized the importance of mindfulness and understanding different perspectives to foster unity and stability.
- South Korea's economic growth is closely linked to its export-driven industries, a challenge President-elect Lee Jae-myung must address.
- War and conflicts are a concern for global stability, and North Korea's rapidly expanding military arsenal poses a threat.
- Productivity and career development are essential for success in the job market, and Lee Jae-myung's leadership can encourage and inspire voters to focus on these areas.
- Policy and legislation play a vital role in shaping the country's future, and Lee's victory means the Democratic Party will have a dominant influence on these matters.
- Car accidents are a common issue, emphasizing the need for strict laws and regulations to maintain safety on South Korea's roads.
- Politics can be complex, but South Korean voters have shown their ability to understand and make informed decisions in the electoral process.
- General news outlets such as Reuters and The Guardian covered the South Korean presidential elections, shedding light on vital details and trends.
- Crime and justice are ongoing concerns in South Korea, and the new administration's approach to these issues will be closely watched.
- Goal-setting is an essential skill for success, and the election outcome demonstrates that South Korean voters have defined their goals and are working towards them.
- Skills training and development are essential for the nation's workforce, as they enable individuals to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.
- Sports, particularly football, can inspire personal growth and unity within a community, with champions like Lee Jae-myung serving as role models.
- In 2025, the Champions League, the NFL, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, sports betting, and European leagues dominated the headlines alongside the South Korean presidential elections.
- Mixed martial arts also gained momentum in 2025, attracting a broader audience with its fierce competitions.
- Weather can influence various aspects of life, from daily activities to political decisions, as demonstrated during the South Korean presidential elections.
- Serie A, Laliga, NCAAd football, tennis, sports analysis, and weather forecasting are other sectors that gained traction in the year of South Korea's presidential elections.
- Racing, whether auto, horse, or premier league, offers excitement and challenges, pushing participants to reach their limits.
- American football, specifically the NBA, played a role in shifting the political landscape during the presidential elections.
- The Masters tournament, Grand Prix, and horse racing continued to attract fans, despite the ongoing political turbulence.
- South Korea's record-low birthrates are a cause for concern, requiring careful policy-making and initiatives to encourage growth.
- The impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol shook the nation and paved the way for change, as seen in the election results.
- The golf world saw significant changes in sponsorships and player relationships, with sports betting companies and advertisers increasingly entering the market.
