South Korean President Lee Jae-myung begins his presidency at 6:21 a.m. on the designated day.
In the heart of South Korea, the democratic process has spoken, with Lee Jae-myung announced as the country's new president on June 4, 2025. The National Election Commission, helmed by Roh Tae-ak, endorsed Lee's victory, making official the shift in South Korean politics that follows a tumultuous period filled with political upheaval and constitutional crises.
The election of Lee Jae-myung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), marks a significant return to progressive leadership in the country. Prior to his presidency, Lee served as the Governor of Gyeonggi Province where he was renowned for his direct communication style, social welfare initiatives, and forward-thinking approach to governance. His electoral win represents the public's desire for stability and a fresh start, following the brief imposition of martial law and subsequent impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Lee's presidency faces numerous challenges, but he enters office with a solid political mandate. He secured 49.42% of the votes in the 21st presidential election and garnered impressive voter turnout, the highest since 1997. Combined with a clear majority in the National Assembly, Lee has the political clout to enact meaningful change.
As for specific policies, Lee has focused on expanded social welfare programs, prioritizing reducing economic inequality and increasing transparency within the public sector to combat corruption. He has also highlighted progressive reforms, advocating for labor rights, support for youth and small businesses, and a stronger social safety net. In the realm of foreign policy, he is expected to follow a diplomacy-centered approach, potentially forging new relationships with North Korea while preserving alliances with traditional allies.
All in all, Lee Jae-myung is a progressive leader with a background in grassroots governance and a commitment to transparency, who now leads South Korea with a resolute political mandate. The path ahead is not easy, but with his clear vision and strong support base, Lee is prepared to face whatever challenges South Korea may bring.
The election of Lee Jae-myung, a progressive leader, marks a significant shift in South Korean politics, with a focus on expanded social welfare programs, reducing economic inequality, and increasing transparency within the public sector. As South Korea's new president, Lee enters office with a solid mandate, securing a majority of votes in the 21st presidential election and garnering high voter turnout, a feat not achieved since 1997. Furthermore, his political clout extends beyond the presidency, with a clear majority in the National Assembly, enabling him to enact meaningful change in education, politics, general-news, and foreign policy.
