After months of political turmoil in South Korea, a presidential election was held on the 3rd, resulting in Lee Jae-myung from the main opposition party being elected president. Local media interviewed several university students in Seoul, revealing that some still chose to support him despite dissatisfaction. Their main reason was the inability to accept candidates representing an authoritarian regime.

According to Bloomberg, the accuracy of this exit poll was notable, given that in the 2022 election, Lee lost by a narrow margin, setting the record for the smallest margin in South Korean electoral history. This time, the voter turnout reached 77.8%, exceeding the 2022 presidential election rate and reflecting the high public concern over political and economic conditions.

The new president will face significant challenges including economic growth and diplomatic policies. Lee's victory could lead to changes in Korea's economic and foreign policy stance, advocating for increased government spending and stronger labor protections, while also supporting dialogue with North Korea. In contrast, Kim Mun-soo favors deregulation and enhancing cooperation with the United States.