On March 3rd, South Korea held its presidential election, closing polls at 7 PM Taiwan time with a voter turnout of 79.4%, an increase of 2.3 percentage points from the last election. According to the current vote count, Lee Jae-myung continues to lead, and reports from the Yonhap News Agency and three major television networks indicate that his election as the new president is virtually certain. The atmosphere at the ruling Democratic Party's celebrations is joyful, while the main opposition People Power Party finds itself in a low mood due to poor exit polls.

According to SBS, national exit polls show Lee Jae-myung at 51.7%, predicted to secure the highest votes. The discrepancy with Kim Moon-soo’s 39.3% has widened to 12.4%. Across all administrative districts in South Korea, Lee Jae-myung has swept through 11 districts including Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, making his victory nearly assured. Lee Joon-suk, trailing with only 7.7% in exit polls, has announced his defeat. The voter turnout for this election was 79.4%, showing significant public engagement compared to the last election. CNN South Korea correspondent Mike Valerio noted, “Lee Jae-myung’s election suggests a shift in South Korea’s attitude towards its allies, particularly regarding its relationship with China, and how it may affect Taiwan. In the event of conflicts across the Taiwan Strait, he will not automatically align with China or Taiwan but will choose the path most beneficial to South Korea.”

The contentious issue of tariffs has also become a focal point for U.S. media. A Washington Post correspondent reported, “NBC has stated that the new president’s top priority will be addressing Trump, with a focus divided between tariffs and security aspects.” After the announcement of Lee Jae-myung's election victory by the three major television networks, he took to the stage around 10 PM Taiwan time to thank his supporters, stating, “I pay my utmost respect to the great decision of the people.” With the previous president Yoon Suk-yeol already dismissed, the new president will take office immediately without a transition period.