[비즈한국] In the 21st presidential election held on June 3, 2025, the victory of Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung has been virtually confirmed. The three major terrestrial broadcasters (KBS, MBC, SBS) predicted Lee’s victory as "certain" around 11:40 p.m.
This presidential election was the second early election held following the December 3rd martial law declaration and the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol from office, with the public opting for a regime change after three years.
According to the joint exit polls by the broadcasters released at 8 p.m. that day, candidate Lee led People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo (39.3%) with 51.7% of the vote, a 12.4 percentage point gap. As of 11:45 p.m., with 40% of the votes counted, Lee recorded 48.88%, maintaining his lead over Kim (42.79%).
Candidate Lee showed strength in most regions, including the metropolitan areas of Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, and is expected to win in all regions except for Daegu/Gyeongbuk and Busan/Gyeongnam.
Upon his victory being deemed certain around 11:45 p.m. on the 3rd, candidate Lee emerged from his home and stated, "If the result is confirmed as it stands, I pay tribute to the great decision made by our people," adding, "I will do my best to fulfill the immense responsibility and mission entrusted to me so as not to betray the people's expectations."
Immediately after the exit poll results were announced, the Democratic Party erupted in cheers, characterizing this victory as "the public's judgment against the insurrectionist regime."
Candidate Lee Jae-myung will begin his term as president on June 4, facing various tasks such as stabilizing the livelihoods of the people, resolving regional imbalances, fostering national unity, and addressing the wrongdoings of the previous administration.