South Korean Presidential Election 2025: Lee Jae Myung Secures Victory
On June 3, 2025, South Korea held a pivotal presidential election to determine the nation's next leader. Following a period of political transition, the electorate turned out in significant numbers to cast their ballots. The results confirm that Lee Jae Myung of the Democratic Party has been elected as the new President of South Korea.
The election took place under the stewardship of acting President Lee Ju-ho, whose term expired on June 4. With a high voter turnout, the election marked a decisive moment for the country's political landscape.
Key Facts
- Elected President: Lee Jae Myung (Democratic Party)
- Election Date: June 3, 2025
- Voter Turnout: 79.38%
- Total Registered Voters: 44,391,871
- Winning Vote Share: 49.42%
Election Results Overview
The race was primarily a contest between the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, with the Reform Party also securing a notable portion of the vote. Lee Jae Myung led the field with nearly half of the total vote share, followed by Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Jae Myung | Democratic | 17,287,513 | 49.42% |
| Kim Moon-soo | People Power | 14,395,639 | 41.15% |
| Lee Jun-seok | Reform | 2,917,523 | 8.34% |
| Kwon Yeong-guk | Democratic Labor | 344,150 | 0.98% |
| Song Jin-ho | Independent | 35,791 | 0.10% |
Candidate Profiles and Party Nominations
Democratic Party
The Democratic Party nominee, Lee Jae Myung, served as the party leader from 2022 to 2025. His primary competition within the party included Kim Dong-yeon, Kim Kyoung-soo, and Kim Doo-kwan, all of whom were eliminated or withdrew during the primary process.
People Power Party
The People Power Party nominated Kim Moon-soo, who previously served as the Minister of Employment and Labor (2024–2025). The party's nomination process was highly competitive, featuring candidates such as Han Dong-hoon, Ahn Cheol-soo, and Hong Joon-pyo.
Third Party and Independent Candidates
The election also featured several other notable figures:
- Lee Jun-seok: Nominee for the Reform Party and Member of the National Assembly.
- Kwon Yeong-guk: Nominee for the Democratic Labor Party.
- Song Jin-ho: An independent businessman.
Voting Patterns and Demographics
Exit polls conducted by KBS, MBC, and SBS provided deep insights into how different demographic groups voted. The data revealed significant divides based on age and political ideology.
Age and Gender Trends
Lee Jae Myung saw strong support among women and younger voters. For instance, among women aged 18–29, his support reached 58.1%. Conversely, Kim Moon-soo performed strongly among voters aged 70 and older, securing 64.0% of that demographic.
Ideological Leanings
The exit surveys highlighted a clear ideological split. Lee Jae Myung dominated the progressive demographic with 87.3% of their vote, while Kim Moon-soo was the preferred choice for conservatives, receiving 74.8% of their support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2025 South Korean presidential election?
Lee Jae Myung of the Democratic Party won the election with 49.42% of the total vote.
What was the voter turnout for this election?
The voter turnout was 79.38%, representing 44,391,871 registered voters.
Who was the acting president during the election?
Lee Ju-ho served as the acting president until his term expired on June 4, 2025.
How did different age groups vote?
Younger voters (18–39) showed higher support for Lee Jae Myung, while older voters (70+) showed significantly higher support for Kim Moon-soo.
Which party came in second place?
The People Power Party came in second, with candidate Kim Moon-soo receiving 41.15% of the votes.