The opponent Lee Jae-Myung He is the new president -elect of South Korea. Prior to knowing each other, the main television chains anticipated their triumph and this mark The return of the progressive block to power after months of political crisis.
“Rindo tribute to the great decision of the people”Lee said at midnight on Tuesday in front of his home in the district of Gyeyang, Incheon. The chains KBS, MBC and SBS They considered as “Safe” Lee’s choice at 23.40 local time.
South Korea: the progressive Lee Jae-Myung will be the new president
Lee’s victory represents a Change of fundamental political course for South Korea, With the return of the liberal Democratic Party to power. In December 2024, the country had suffered a political crisis that ended in the dismissal of the conservative Yoon Suk-Yool, who was removed from office for his failed imposition of martial law.
“I will do my best to fulfill the great responsibility and mission entrusted to me not to disappoint the expectations of our people “Lee promised before the reporters. Then he left for YEOUIDO, in Seoul, headquarters of the South Korean Parliament.
The 60 -year -old democratic party candidate will assume the position without transition periodas stipulated by the law in extraordinary elections, with the investiture provided for this Wednesday, a few hours after the official announcement of the results.
Lee was born in 1964 in Andong and grew in poverty. Its personal history reflects the South Korean dream of overcoming: After a difficult childhood, he completed law studies with a scholarship and worked as a human rights lawyer before entering politics in 2004.
His political career led him to be Mayor of Seongnam Between 2010 and 2018, and later Governor of Gyeonggithe most populous province in the country. During these positions he stood out for cleaning up public finances and launching Innovative social programsincluding a Universal basic income for young people.
After losing by a narrow margin the presidential 2022 against Yoon, Lee relaunched his political career with a more conciliatory approach. He was officially nominated presidential candidate of the Democratic Party on April 27 with an overwhelming 89.77% support, days after the Constitutional Court will dismiss Yoon.
However, Lee will begin his mandate under the shadow of a criminal trial. The Supreme Court ordered in May to reopen a trial against him for alleged falsehood in statements linked to an urban project in Daejang-Dongwith a new audience scheduled for June 18.
His adversaries link him to a alleged irregular scheme of distribution of benefits in said projectin which an official involved, Kim Moon-Kihe was found dead in 2021. Although he was acquitted in the second instance, the Supreme annulled the ruling.
The legal situation presents a constitutional dilemma: While the South Korean Constitution establishes that a president cannot be criminally prosecuted during his mandate except for insurrection or betrayal, experts disagree on whether the judgments initiated before the investiture can continue.
Source: Ambito
