Lee promises to “overcome the insurrection” and ensure that a “military coup” does not occur after the crisis caused by martial law
The conservative candidate concedes defeat in the election, after falling eight percentage points behind his rival
South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party (DP) candidate, Lee Jae Myung, won the presidential elections held this Tuesday in the Asian country, following months of political crisis stemming from the attempt to impose martial law by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ultimately ousted.
Lee garnered 49.20 percent of the vote, compared to 41.46 percent for conservative candidate Kim Moon Soon of the People’s Power Party (PPP), according to 98.5 percent of the vote counts.
In a speech, the liberal candidate promised to “overcome the insurrection” and ensure that a “military coup” does not occur, referring to Yoon’s attempt to impose martial law. “I will fulfill my mission to create a world where democracy is restored and the sovereignty of the people is respected in a democratic republic, living together in cooperation,” he said.
“As soon as I am confirmed as president-elect, I will dedicate all my strength to reactivating the economy and restoring the people’s livelihoods,” said Lee, who lost to Yoon in 2022 by a narrow margin of less than one percentage point.
With this victory, the electorate has opted for the candidate of “change” following Yoon’s impeachment. This puts the country on the path to ending the institutional impasse it has experienced until now, caused by the existence of an opposition-majority parliament and a president of a different political persuasion.
KIM ACKNOWLEDGES HIS DEFEAT
Minutes earlier, Kim acknowledged his defeat: “I humbly accept the people’s decision. I will not forget the warm support the people have given me so far. I am grateful for the dedication of the party members who elected me and have accompanied me in the race.”
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 a press conference at the party headquarters early in the morning 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 army during the proclamation of controversial martial law last December, could translate into a break from the serious crisis the country is experiencing.
Lee, who addressed the press outside his home shortly after the preliminary results were counted, stated that he “will pay tribute to the people’s decision” and that he “will fulfill his responsibility and his mission without failing to meet the people’s expectations.”
His party stated that the results showed “a clear and harsh verdict” against Yoon, who remains charged with insurrection and abuse of power in relation to the martial law declared at the end of 2024.
In this regard, they again accused the PPP of having led an “insurrectionary government” and clarified that the elections have served to show that the population “wants to recover” from the crisis and economic problems.
