The candidate from the opposition Democratic Party (PD) of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, has won the presidential elections held this Tuesday, after months of political crisis stemming from the attempt to impose martial law by the then-president, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ultimately removed from office.
Lee secured 49.2% of the support compared to the 41.4% of endorsements obtained by the conservative candidate, Kim Moon Soon, from the People Power Party (PPP) of the former president, according to 98.5% of the vote count.
What did the winning candidate say in the elections in South Korea?
In a speech, the liberal candidate Lee Jae Myung has promised to “overcome the insurrection” and ensure that there is no “military coup”, referring to Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law. "I will fulfill my mission to create a world where democracy is restored and the people’s sovereignty is respected in a democratic republic, coexisting in cooperation," he expressed.
“As soon as I am confirmed as the president-elect, I will dedicate all my efforts to reviving the economy and recovering the livelihoods of the population,” Lee assured, who lost in 2022 to Yoon by a narrow margin of less than one percentage point.
With this victory, the electorate has chosen the candidate “of change” after the removal of Yoon. This puts the country on track to end the institutional impasse experienced so far, caused by the existence of a Parliament with a majority opposition facing a president of a different political color.
Kim acknowledges his defeat
Minutes before, Kim has acknowledged her defeat: “I humbly accept the decision of the people. I will not forget the warm support that the people have given me up to now. I appreciate the dedication of the party members who chose me and have accompanied me in the contest.”
While he congratulated Lee for “being elected” at the polls, he emphasized that the country “has continued to make great progress thanks to the strength of its people, despite the crisis it faced,” according to statements made during the early hours in a press conference from the party headquarters and reported by the Yonhap news agency.
The victory of the South Korean opposition leader, a figure who has gained notoriety in recent years after being stabbed and taking to the streets to confront the military during the declaration of the controversial martial law last December, could result in a respite from the serious crisis the country is going through.
Lee, who addressed the press outside his home shortly after learning the preliminary election results, stated that he will “pay tribute to the decision of the people” and assured that he will “fulfill his responsibility and mission without failing to meet the expectations of the population.”