Lee Jae-myung Wins South Korea's Snap Presidential Election Amid Political Upheaval.

South Korea has concluded a pivotal presidential election, marking a significant shift in its political landscape following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party has emerged victorious, signaling a new direction for the nation. Election Outcome Lee Jae-myung secured the presidency with approximately 51.7% of the vote, surpassing his main rival, conservative Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, who garnered around 39.3%. This decisive victory follows a snap election necessitated by Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his attempt to impose martial law in December 2024. Background: Impeachment and Political Turmoil The election was precipitated by a constitutional crisis when President Yoon declared martial law, deploying troops to block parliamentary proceedings. This led to his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, and his subsequent removal from office by the Constitutional Court on April 4, 2025. The crisis also saw the temporary impeachment of acting President Han Duck-soo, further deepening political instability. Profile: Lee Jae-myung Lee Jae-myung, a former human rights lawyer and governor of Gyeonggi Province, is known for his populist approach and advocacy for social welfare. His political philosophy, termed "Meoksanism," emphasizes practical socioeconomic issues such as employment, housing, and welfare. Despite facing legal challenges and accusations of corruption, none have been definitively proven. Campaign Highlights Lee proposed a "Jalsanism" vision, advocating for a four-day workweek, universal basic services, raising the retirement age, and implementing a recall system for lawmakers. Constitutional Amendments: He pledged to amend the Constitution to allow presidents to serve two four-year terms and introduce run-off voting, aiming to enhance democratic processes. Foreign Policy: Lee expressed intentions to reengage diplomatically with the U.S., strengthen ties with China and Russia, and consider a peaceful uranium enrichment program, signaling a nuanced approach to international relations. Challenges Ahead Lee's presidency begins amid deep political polarization and economic uncertainty. He faces the task of uniting a divided nation, restoring public trust in democratic institutions, and navigating complex foreign relations, particularly concerning North Korea and regional powers. Election Day in Images The Associated Press has published a photo gallery capturing moments from the election day across South Korea, reflecting the public's engagement in this critical democratic exercise.