South Korea's New President
- Melissa Santañez
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
Lee Jae-myung has won South Korea's snap presidential election, marking a significant political shift in the country.
Lee Jae-myung was inaugurated as South Korea's 14th president on June 4, 2025, following a decisive victory in a snap election triggered by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee secured 49.42% of the vote, defeating conservative rival Kim Moon-soo, who garnered 41.15%.
🇰🇷 Who Is Lee Jae-myung?
Born in 1963 in Andong, Lee's early life was marked by poverty. He worked in factories from a young age, suffering a severe arm injury that left him with a permanent disability. Despite these challenges, he self-studied to pass equivalency exams and earned a law degree from Chung-Ang University. Lee became a human rights lawyer, advocating for labor rights and social justice.
His political career began as mayor of Seongnam (2010–2018), followed by his tenure as governor of Gyeonggi Province (2018–2021). Lee is known for his populist style and progressive policies, including advocating for universal basic income and corporate regulation.
🗳️ Election Amid Political Turmoil
The election was held after President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial declaration of martial law, which led to widespread protests and his eventual impeachment. Lee's victory is seen as a mandate to restore democratic norms and address economic challenges.
🏛️ Policy Priorities
In his inaugural address, President Lee pledged to:
Heal National Divisions: Emphasizing unity and reconciliation after months of political unrest.
Economic Revitalization: Focusing on deregulation, innovation, and addressing cost-of-living concerns.
Environmental Initiatives: Advocating for a transition to renewable energy sources.
Foreign Relations: Maintaining strong ties with the U.S. while pursuing diplomatic engagement with North Korea.
🌐 International Reactions
World leaders, including China's President Xi Jinping and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have extended congratulations. The U.S. reaffirmed its alliance with South Korea, expressing readiness to collaborate on regional security and economic resilience.
Sources: BBC News, Reuters, The Guardian, Al Jazeera
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