Photo Gallery: South Koreans choose their new president after six months of political chaos

The South Korean presidential election wrapped up with liberal party leader Lee Jae-myung winning the presidency and being sworn in on June 4, bringing an end to six months of political chaos since martial law. 

Lee Jae-myung won with  49.42% share of votes, amounting to 17,287,500 ballots, the largest number of votes in South Korean presidential election history, according to Yonhap News Agency, while voter turnout reached 79.38%, the highest since 1997, reflecting a high level of public mobilisation. 

Besides Lee’s victory, Kim Moon-soo, leader of the conservative People Power Party, received 41.15% of the vote, as the previous party leader’s martial law declaration received wide criticism, with Lee Jun-seok of the Reform New Party securing 8.34% of the votes, who emphasised on political reform and youth empowerment. The remaining two candidates, Kwon Young-guk and Song Jin-ho, received 0.98% and 0.1% of the votes, respectively.

According to a May poll conducted by Gallup, there were notable differences in support rates across age groups. Lee Jae-myung enjoyed higher support among people in their 40s and 50s, while Kim Moon-soo was more favoured by those in their 60s and 70s. And Lee Jun-seok received relatively greater support among younger voters.

South Korea faced significant disruptions in high-level diplomatic activity following ex-president Yoon declaring martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, with domestic investors suffering “roller coaster” fluctuation of both the stock market and currency, also driven by the tariff policy initiated by US President Donald Trump.

With concerns for the country’s social and security landscape raised, Lee outlined five key missions for his administration during his victory speech, including ending internal conflict, achieving national unity, revitalising the national economy, ensuring national security, and maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula.

“This is a world where things like martial law shouldn’t exist”, said Lee Eungyeong, 56, who is not surprised at Lee Jae-myung’s victory. “It’s not the President’s world alone. The nation has to work together with the President and the world.” 

Following his victory, Lee was officially sworn in at the National Assembly and signed his first presidential order, directing relevant departments to establish an emergency economic response team, demonstrating his determination to prioritise restoring livelihoods and revitalising the economy.