Liberal Candidate Lee Jae-Myung Wins South Korea Presidential Election

Lee Jae-myung, the progressive candidate of South Korea's Democratic Party, has won the early presidential election with a clear margin over his conservative rival Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party. The victory follows a period of political turmoil triggered by the brief imposition of martial law by the ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was later impeached and removed from office. Lee pledged to restore democracy, revive the economy, and foster unity in his first speech after being projected as the winner, while Kim graciously conceded defeat and congratulated Lee. With the Democratic Party controlling the National Assembly, Lee is expected to face little opposition in implementing his agenda. Despite concerns about his perceived tilt toward China and North Korea, Lee has emphasized maintaining South Korea's alliance with the United States. Major challenges ahead include managing U.S. tariff policies and North Korea's advancing nuclear program, though experts suggest little immediate change in foreign policy is expected.