South Korea’s 2025 Election: Lee Jae-Myung’s Victory Marks a Democratic Turning Point

South Korea held its presidential election on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, which was won by Lee Jae-Myung on Tuesday’s election. The polls closed in the 3 June vote, and he was also sworn in as South Korea’s president on Wednesday, 4 June. The election was held to replace the previous president, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was accused of violating the Constitution and undermining national security by placing the country under martial law and plunging the country into chaos.

Yoon Suk Yeol was supposed to retire from his office as president in 2027. Still, Yoon Suk Yeol shocked the nation by declaring martial law on 3 December and citing threats of ‘anti-state forces’ and North Korea but canceled after the National Assembly secured the minimum number of votes required to revoke martial law in the early morning of 4 December. Under the law, the constitutional court upheld his impeachment on 4 April, removed him from office permanently, and immediately set the stage for a snap presidential election within 60 days.

In the election, Lee Jae-Myung received nearly three million votes (49.42%), ahead of his main rival Kim Moon-Soo (41.15%), who is part of the conservative People Power Party, and the third candidate, Lee Jun-Seok (8.34%). Although Kim Moon-Soo conceded defeat to Lee Jae-Myung, Kim still congratulated Lee on his speech and said that ‘he humbly accepts the people’s decision.’ Voters in South Korea sent a strong message against the rule of law and demanded the return of democracy, which is why Lee Jae-Myung’s win represents a fundamental political change in the country. In his inaugural address, the newly elected liberal president, who took office a day after the polls closed, promised to “heal the wounds of division” and head a government that “puts the people first.”

After months of political unrest brought on by Yoon Suk Yeol’s challenging imposition of the rule of law in December 2024, Lee’s campaign focused on saving constitutional order, strengthening the welfare system, and reestablishing faith in public institutions. Analysts believe the sudden election turned into a de facto vote on the nation’s democratic ideals, with voter turnout approaching 79 percent, the highest in 20 years.

“Democracy must never be taken for granted,” Lee said during his swearing-in ceremony on June 4. “I will make sure no president ever misuses power in such a way again.” Although legal issues related to claims of bribery and wrongdoing from previous positions, Lee must now work to bring the nation together and manage a difficult economy. He has committed to pursuing balanced diplomacy, which includes careful engagement with China, restarted talks with North Korea, and strong connections with the US and Japan.

Lee Jae-Myung’s rapid rise to the presidency marks not only a change in leadership but also a pivotal moment in South Korea’s democratic evolution. His government now faces the challenging task of restoring political stability and public trust while guiding the country through tough economic and geopolitical issues under strong public support, high voter turnout, and elevated expectations. All eyes are on President Lee to fulfill his promises and guide the nation toward a more open, equitable, and cohesive future as South Korea closes a difficult chapter.

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