The Voice News:Exit polls project that Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party will become South Korea’s next president following a snap election triggered by the impeachment of former leader Yoon Suk Yeol and a brief imposition of martial law.
According to broadcaster MBN, Lee secured 49.2% of the vote, leading comfortably over conservative rival Kim Moon-soo, who garnered 41.7%. A combined exit poll from three major broadcasters gave Lee 51.7%, with Kim trailing at 39.3%.
Lee, 61, a former human rights lawyer and two-time presidential contender, capitalized on public outrage after Yoon’s December martial law declaration, which was swiftly overturned. The political turmoil, coupled with economic challenges and doubts over U.S. support under Donald Trump, created a volatile backdrop for the election.
Voter turnout was high, hitting 77.8% shortly before polls closed, according to the National Election Commission. More than a third of South Korea’s 44.39 million eligible voters participated in early voting. Official results are expected by midnight.
The election followed Yoon’s removal from office after the constitutional court upheld his impeachment in April. Many South Koreans see the swift electoral process as a sign of democratic resilience.
In a Facebook post, Lee described the vote as a chance to “save South Korea” from establishment greed. However, the deep political divisions exacerbated by Yoon’s presidency are likely to challenge Lee as he begins his five-year term on Wednesday—without the usual two-month transition.
Kim Moon-soo, Yoon’s former labor minister, failed to unite moderates as his People Power Party grappled with Yoon’s controversial legacy. In contrast, Lee warned that a Kim victory would mean the return of “rebellion forces” and a threat to democracy.
In his final campaign rally, Lee promised economic revitalization, reduced inequality, and national unity. Meanwhile, Kim accused Lee of seeking total control, likening his ambitions to those of a “Hitler-like dictatorship.”
Lee’s presidency begins under the shadow of multiple court cases, including bribery and a real estate scandal. Trials were postponed until after the election, and Lee has denied all charges, claiming political persecution.
Despite his populist reformer image, Lee has recently taken a more measured tone, pledging to maintain strong ties with the U.S. and Japan. He also aims to shift away from Yoon’s hardline stance on North Korea and reinitiate dialogue, although he acknowledged that restarting summits with Kim Jong-un would be challenging.