South Korea’s Presidential Election Sees Leftist Candidate Lee Jae-myung in the Lead, According to Early Projections
Preliminary results from major South Korean television networks, including KBS, MBC and SBS, indicate that left-leaning candidate Lee Jae-myung is likely to emerge as the winner of the presidential election, with a significant lead over his conservative opponent, Kim Moon-soo. Lee is projected to receive around 50.1% of the votes, while Kim is expected to garner approximately 39% of the ballots.
The election, which was widely seen as a decisive moment for the country, comes at a time of great uncertainty in South Korea, following the brief declaration of a state of emergency by the now-impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol and the ongoing investigation into allegations of treason against him.
During the campaign, Lee focused on issues such as the expansion of renewable energy, workers’ rights and a policy of détente with China and North Korea. In contrast, Kim advocated for a hardline stance against Pyongyang.
As the President of South Korea, the winner of the election will hold significant powers, including command of the military, the highest representative of the state and the responsibility of upholding the constitution. The South Korean constitution also limits the president to a single term in office.