Seoul: Lee Che-myong, the leader of South Korea’s liberal Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), has secured a decisive victory in the country’s presidential election, defeating Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People’s Power Party (PPP).

Lee received 48.31 percent of the total vote, while Kim trailed behind with 42.9 percent. Although six candidates were on the ballot, the election was largely a two-way contest between the DPK and PPP.

In his victory speech, Lee expressed gratitude to the electorate and vowed to prioritize national unity, economic recovery, and peace with North Korea. “I thank the voters. I will never forget this responsibility and will work to unify the country, improve the economy, and establish peace with North Korea,” he said.

Kim Moon-soo graciously accepted the outcome, stating, “I humbly accept the people’s decision and wish Lee Che-myong victory.”

This presidential election saw a voter turnout of 78.3 percent, the highest since 1997 and slightly higher than the 77.1 percent turnout in the 2022 election. The highest-ever voter turnout in South Korea was 89.2 percent in 1987.

The election was held ahead of schedule following the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol of the PPP. Yoon imposed martial law in December last year, citing threats from North Korea and alleged anti-state activities. However, it later emerged that he had used martial law to deflect political pressure and protect his administration.

A week after the imposition of martial law, South Korea's parliament voted to impeach Yoon, and the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment on April 4, permanently removing him from office. In accordance with the law, a new election was mandated within 60 days, leading to the current early presidential vote.

Lee Che-myong's victory marks a significant shift in South Korean politics and opens a new chapter as the country seeks to stabilize following months of political turbulence.