Lee Jae-myung Projected to Win South Korean Presidential Election

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, is projected to win the South Korean presidential election, according to exit polls. The snap election was triggered by the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office following a failed attempt to impose martial law in December. The election results are expected to be finalized by midnight local time.

Lee, 60, has been a prominent figure in South Korean politics, serving as the governor of Gyeonggi province and the mayor of Seongnam city. He is known for his fiery speeches and his advocacy for human rights and social justice. Lee's campaign has focused on revitalizing the economy, healing domestic divisions, and promoting peace with North Korea. He has also pledged to address the economic fallout from U.S. tariffs and restore international confidence in the country.

The election comes at a time of deep political divide and external challenges, including U.S. tariffs and North Korea's expanding military partnership with Russia. Lee's victory would mark a significant shift in South Korean politics, as he is expected to pursue a more liberal agenda than his predecessor. However, some experts worry that Lee's control over the assembly could lead to excessive, unchecked power. Others believe that Lee is unlikely to pursue overly drastic policies without the support of moderates.

Lee's main rival, Kim Moon Soo, is a hardline conservative who served as Yoon's labor minister. Kim initially faced an attempt by party leaders to replace him with a more popular candidate, but he eventually retained his candidacy after party members voted in his favor. Kim has pledged to build a greater missile defense system and win a stronger U.S. security commitment to cope with North Korea's evolving nuclear threats. He has also vowed to reform anti-business regulations and reduce corporate and inheritance taxes.

The election results are expected to have significant implications for South Korea's domestic and foreign policies. Lee's victory would likely lead to a more liberal agenda, while Kim's victory would result in a more conservative approach. Regardless of the outcome, the new president will face significant challenges, including a fragile economy, a divided electorate, and external threats. The new president will take office just a day after the election, forgoing the usual two-month transition period to serve a full, five-year term.