Lee Jae-myung expected to take South Korean presidency

Exit polls suggest a clear lead for the liberal candidate after snap elections triggered by the ousting of a martial law government.
Text: Óscar Ontañón Docal
Published 2025-06-03

The latest news on South Korea. Liberal leader Lee Jae-myung is on track to become South Korea's next president, according to major broadcast projections, following a turbulent political chapter sparked by the previous administration's martial law decree.

The snap election, called after the impeachment and removal of Yoon Suk Yeol, appears to have galvanised widespread voter turnout and a shift in public sentiment. Lee's projected win signals a potential reset in both domestic governance and foreign policy.

Presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea speaks in front of supporters for his election campaign in Jeonju-si, North Jeolla Province, Korea on on February 19, 2022

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