South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is poised for a dramatic return to political prominence after exit polls projected his victory in a snap presidential election on Tuesday. The surprise vote was triggered by the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, whose failed attempt to impose martial law in December sparked nationwide unrest.
Millions of South Koreans cast their ballots in one of the most tumultuous elections in the country’s recent history. The National Election Commission reported a turnout of 74.8%, reflecting the public’s deep engagement with the political crisis that has gripped the nation for months.
Lee, representing the liberal Democratic Party, appears to have defeated Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party (PPP). Kim, a former labor activist and close ally of the ousted president, struggled to shake off the shadow of Yoon’s downfall during the campaign.
Pre-election surveys showed Lee holding a narrow but consistent lead over Kim, bolstered by voter anger over Yoon’s controversial December decree, which aimed to deploy military force against protestors demanding economic and judicial reforms. The Constitutional Court ruled the move unconstitutional, leading to Yoon’s impeachment in January.
The impeachment left South Korea in political disarray, with months of parliamentary infighting, protests in the streets of Seoul, and mounting anxiety among investors and international allies. Lee, a former Gyeonggi Province governor and previous presidential contender, emerged as a unifying figure promising “restoration of democratic integrity.”
Exit polls conducted by major broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS suggest Lee secured around 51.4% of the vote, compared to Kim’s 46.7%. Official counting began at 8:00 p.m. local time (11:00 GMT), with final results expected around midnight.
Lee’s campaign focused heavily on rebuilding public trust, tackling youth unemployment, and renegotiating economic policies to soften the impact of U.S. tariffs on South Korean exports. His promises to pursue “balanced diplomacy” also resonated with voters wary of over-reliance on either Washington or Beijing.
The vote also comes as the United States enters a volatile election cycle of its own, with former President Donald Trump, a key figure in Korean Peninsula diplomacy, possibly returning to power. Lee has vowed to engage with both parties in Washington while pushing for renewed inter-Korean dialogue.
Kim Moon-soo conceded early Wednesday morning, telling reporters, “While the people have spoken clearly tonight, we must reflect deeply on the mistakes that brought us here. I respect their decision.”
Lee’s victory would mark a remarkable political comeback after his narrow loss to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election. During that campaign, he was plagued by scandals and internal party divisions — issues he appears to have overcome with this win.
The new president is expected to be sworn in within a week, as mandated by emergency provisions under South Korea’s constitution following a snap election. Lee now faces the monumental task of healing a divided nation, restoring economic stability, and rebuilding the country’s global reputation after months of upheaval.
