Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was sworn in as South Korea’s new president on Wednesday, following a dramatic snap election held just six months after the previous administration imposed martial law, plunging the country into political turmoil.
Lee secured a decisive win, defeating Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party by nearly three million votes, according to official results. Kim conceded early Wednesday, offering congratulations and telling supporters he “humbly accept(s) the people’s decision.”
In his victory speech in Seoul, Lee addressed cheering crowds, vowing to “work to restore the economy” from his first day in office and to ensure “there will never be a military coup.”
The inauguration ceremony took place Wednesday morning. It was kept deliberately low-key, with brief musical performances and a short address from the new president.
The Ministry of Interior and Safety stated that Lee wanted to “focus on state affairs immediately after being sworn in.”
Lee’s election is expected to bring a degree of political stability to South Korea, which has experienced months of uncertainty following the December 3 martial law declaration by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
That order was quickly overturned after lawmakers stormed parliament and voted to block the decree.
Yoon was impeached shortly afterward and formally removed from office in April. Since then, the country has seen a string of interim leaders ahead of the emergency vote.
“The results reflect the people’s fiery judgement against the insurrection regime,” said Park Chan-dae, acting head of Lee’s Democratic Party, in an interview Tuesday night.
Voter turnout reached nearly 80%, marking the highest participation rate since 1997, according to the National Election Commission.
Despite facing multiple legal challenges and political controversy, Lee emerged as a clear frontrunner during the campaign. He now faces a tough road ahead, with economic pressures mounting and regional tensions simmering.
South Korea’s economy has shown signs of strain in recent months, with rising living costs and sluggish domestic consumption.
Ongoing trade talks with the United States over tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump remain unresolved. Meanwhile, demographic issues such as a declining birthrate and an aging population continue to loom large.
From Factory Worker to President
Lee’s journey to the presidency is a dramatic one. Born into poverty, he worked in a factory as a teenager before becoming a human rights lawyer.
His political career includes stints as mayor of Seongnam, governor of Gyeonggi Province, and lawmaker after narrowly losing the 2022 presidential race to Yoon.
In January 2024, Lee survived an assassination attempt when he was stabbed in the neck during a public appearance in Busan. The injury was not life-threatening but required surgery.
Later that year, on the night martial law was declared, Lee was among the lawmakers who broke through military blockades to reach the National Assembly and hold an emergency vote. A video of him jumping a fence to enter the building went viral, garnering tens of millions of views online.
On the campaign trail, Lee spoke from behind bulletproof glass and wore a bulletproof vest, promising sweeping political and economic reforms.
His platform included limiting a president’s power to declare martial law, amending the constitution to allow two four-year presidential terms, supporting small businesses, and expanding the AI sector.
Lee also pledged to reduce tensions with North Korea while maintaining the country’s goal of denuclearization. His aides say human rights will be central to any dialogue with Pyongyang, including efforts to return surviving prisoners of war from the 1950–1953 Korean War.
Legal Troubles Continue
Despite his victory, Lee remains a polarizing figure and continues to face legal challenges. He is currently on trial for alleged bribery and charges related to a property development scandal.
In a separate case, he was convicted of violating election law for allegedly making a false statement during a debate in the last presidential race. That case is now under appeal.
Lee has denied all allegations. In an interview with CNN in December, he stated he had been indicted “without any evidence or basis,” claiming the charges were politically motivated.
His critics accuse him of deepening political divisions, often clashing with former President Yoon and obstructing legislative efforts. Yoon cited Lee’s Democratic Party’s blocking of a government budget bill as one reason for his decision to declare martial law.
Foreign Policy Outlook
One of Lee’s top foreign policy priorities will be rebuilding South Korea’s relationship with the United States, which was tested during the martial law crisis. Analysts say the Biden administration was caught off guard by the events, especially after heavily investing in a trilateral security alliance with Seoul and Tokyo.
Lee’s foreign policy adviser Wi Sunglac said prior to the election that the alliance with Washington would remain the “cornerstone” of South Korean diplomacy.
Relations with China and Russia — both strained in recent years — will be managed through “strategic engagement,” with Lee’s team emphasizing that peace and security require ongoing dialogue.
At the same time, South Korea continues to negotiate with the United States over Trump-era tariffs, including 25% duties on key exports such as automobiles and steel.
Trump has also proposed additional tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals — core sectors of South Korea’s economy.
Lee takes office at a critical juncture for the nation — one where public confidence, international partnerships, and economic resilience will all be put to the test.
