Cliff Notes – Liberal opposition candidate Lee Jae-Myung wins snap presidential election

Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party has secured victory in South Korea’s snap presidential election, leading with approximately 48.86% of the votes against Kim Moon Soo’s 41.98%.
This election occurred amidst recent turmoil, including a temporary martial law declaration by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, which was later reversed and led to his impeachment.
Lee aims to unify the country and promote dialogue with North Korea, marking a shift from the tensions witnessed during the last administration.

South Korea: Liberal opposition candidate Lee Jae-Myung wins snap presidential election

The Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-Myung has won South Korea’s snap presidential election – six months after the country was briefly thrown into martial law.

Kim Moon Soo, candidate of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), said he “humbly accepts [the] people’s choice” after projections showed Mr Lee was expected to win the election.

With around 95% of ballots counted as of 2.40am on Wednesday (6.40 pm in the UK), Mr Lee led with 48.86% of votes to Mr Kim’s 41.98%.

An exit poll from three of South Korea‘s broadcasters also put the Democratic Party leader on 51.7% and Mr Kim on 39.3%

At a news conference, Mr Lee said he would seek to unite the country and find a way to coexist with North Korea through communication and dialogue.

It caps off a tumultuous six months for South Korea, with the country plunged into crisis after former president Yoon Suk Yeol briefly declared martial law on 3 December.