In a dramatic and highly emotional political moment, Lee Jae-myung has been sworn in as the new president of South Korea after winning a snap election triggered by months of unrest and democratic crisis.
The 61-year-old opposition leader pledged to “unite the people” and restore stability following the impeachment of his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office after a failed attempt to impose martial law.
Lee, representing the Democratic Party, won the presidency with 49.4% of the vote—signaling a nationwide rejection of the ruling People Power Party, PPP, and its controversial leadership. His opponent, Kim Moon-soo, also of the PPP and a close ally of Yoon, failed to galvanize support amid widespread public anger.
During his inauguration speech outside the National Assembly in Seoul—where he famously leapt over the perimeter wall six months ago to oppose Yoon’s martial law—Lee vowed to be a “president who ends the politics of division.”
He blamed the nation’s recent political turmoil on “factions with no desire to work for the lives of the people,” and pledged to build a pragmatic, inclusive government.
To address the country’s urgent economic woes, Lee announced the immediate activation of an emergency economic task force. His administration, he said, would operate on flexibility and common sense, steering away from the extremes that defined recent years.
His win marks a significant political comeback. Lee has faced numerous scandals, including allegations of corruption and family disputes.
He is also currently awaiting trial for allegedly violating election laws—charges that were postponed until after the election. Under South Korean law, sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted for most criminal offenses, but a guilty verdict could cast a shadow over his presidency.
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Still, many see his election as a referendum on recent democratic failures. “The people judged the December 3 martial law as a violation of democracy,” said National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik in an interview with BBC Korean. “This election was about restoring democratic principles.”
Political consultant Park Sung-min echoed that sentiment, saying voters were less enthused about Lee himself and more motivated by outrage at the government. “This was a clear rebuke of the ruling party, not necessarily an endorsement of Lee’s platform.”
Lee now faces a divided electorate. Supporters of the impeached Yoon, many of whom are young men and older conservatives, still believe martial law was justified.
One rising figure among this group is Lee Jun-seok, a former presidential contender known for his anti-feminist rhetoric and appeal to male voters.
Despite the deep rifts, voter turnout was 79.4%—the highest in over two decades—driven by a desire for change and accountability.
Lee’s challenge is enormous: uniting a fractured nation while maintaining public trust amid his legal battles. Whether he can transform anger into healing and deliver on his promises will define the next chapter in South Korea’s democracy.
BBC
