South Korea.- With 80% of the ballots counted, the liberal politician of the Democratic Party (DP), Lee Jae-myung became the new president of South Korea after the serious political crisis triggered by the martial law of last December.
“I will fulfill the first mission entrusted to me: to overcome the insurrection and ensure that there is never again a military coup that intimidates the people with the weapons they have entrusted,” Lee declared during a speech in Yeouido, Seoul, during the early hours of Wednesday after Tuesday’s election day.
His rival from the until now ruling conservative party Kim Moon-soo, for his part, declared “to humbly accept the decision of the people”, in a press conference offered at the headquarters of his party in Yeouido, after learning that his defeat was practically definitive. “I congratulate the elected candidate Lee Jae-myung”, added Kim.
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His triumph marks a change of political direction in the country and the return of the progressive bloc to power after the removal of the conservative Yoon Suk-yeol, due to his failed imposition of martial law.
The new president will assume office immediately after the official proclamation of the results, without a transition period, given that these are extraordinary elections to replace the removed Yoon Suk-yeol.
