Lee Jae-myung's election as the 21st President of South Korea

Lee Jae-myung's election as the 21st President of South Korea on June 3, 2025, served as a direct referendum on the December 2024 martial law decree. Because this was a snap election following an impeachment, he assumed office immediately without a transition period. Election Night & Results (June 3–4, 2025) • Lee’s Residence (Gyeyang District, Incheon): This was the first location where Lee appeared publicly. He spoke to reporters outside his home at approximately 11:50 p.m. on June 3, shortly after exit polls projected his victory. • Democratic Party Headquarters (Yeouido, Seoul): Lee traveled here after his home address to meet with party officials as the vote count progressed. • National Assembly Square (Yeouido, Seoul): Lee delivered his official victory speech early on Wednesday morning to a crowd of roughly 5,000 supporters gathered in the streets and square outside the parliamentary building. • National Election Commission (Gwacheon, Gyeonggi): The NEC formally certified the election results at its headquarters at 6:21 a.m. on June 4, officially marking the start of Lee’s presidential term. • Voter Turnout: Reached 79.4%, the highest participation rate in a South Korean presidential election since 1997. • Final Vote Share: Lee secured 49.42% of the vote (approx. 17.28 million votes), defeating conservative rival Kim Moon-soo (41.15%) and Lee Jun-seok (8.34%). • Midnight Concession: Just after midnight on Wednesday, June 4, Kim Moon-soo officially conceded defeat and congratulated Lee. • Victory Speech: At the National Assembly, Lee framed his victory as a "revolution of light," vowing to restore democracy and overcome the "insurrection" of the previous administration. The "Day One" Timeline (June 4, 2025): • 6:21 AM – Formal Commencement: Lee officially began his duties as president the moment the National Election Commission (NEC) confirmed the tally. • Morning – Military Command: He immediately assumed command of the armed forces and received a security briefing. • National Cemetery Visit: He visited the Seoul National Cemetery to pay respects to the country’s founders and fallen soldiers. • Inauguration Ceremony: Held at the Rotunda Hall of the National Assembly. In his inaugural address, he pledged to be a "president for everyone" and signaled a shift toward pragmatic diplomacy. Symbolic Gestures: • Heart Gesture: Following the ceremony, Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-gyeong greeted cheering supporters outside the National Assembly with a hand-heart gesture. • Bibimbap Lunch: Lee ate bibimbap (mixed rice) for lunch with political rivals and leaders, a traditional symbol of national harmony and unity. Immediate Policy Actions: • Blue House Return: Lee announced plans to return the presidential office to the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) following renovations, reversing Yoon Suk Yeol's move to the Yongsan district. • Emergency Economic Task Force: He immediately established a task force to stabilize the economy following months of political vacuum and uncertainty.