John Adoyi
Lee Jae-myung, 59, of the liberal Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), is projected to win South Korea’s presidential election held Tuesday, defeating Kim Moon-soo of the ruling conservative People Power Party (PPP).
This is according to a joint exit poll released by the country’s major broadcasters.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe poll, conducted by KBS, MBC, and SBS, showed Lee leading with 51.7 per cent of the vote. His main rival, Kim Moon-soo, trailed with 39.3 percent, while Lee Jun-seok of the minor conservative Reform Party garnered 7.7 percent. Lee’s projected lead of 12.4 percentage points places him safely outside the margin of error, signalling a decisive victory.
If confirmed, Lee Jae-myung will become South Korea’s 14th president, returning power to the liberal camp after five years of conservative leadership under the PPP. He is expected to assume office immediately on Wednesday, following confirmation from the National Election Commission.
A former governor of Gyeonggi Province and a longtime figure in South Korea’s progressive politics, Lee ran on a platform of economic reform, social welfare expansion, and anti-corruption. His campaign struck a chord with voters seeking stronger protections for working-class citizens and more aggressive action on wealth inequality.
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Voter turnout stood at 77 per cent as of 6 p.m. local time, according to the National Election Commission, underscoring intense public interest in a race viewed as a turning point for the country’s political and economic future.
