South Korea’s presidential elections have finally come to an end. Lee Jae-myung, a liberal candidate from the Democratic Party, won the snap election with 49.4% of the votes. His opponent secured only 41.2%. With this victory, Lee takes on a country facing significant challenges, including a divided society and economy, as well as tensions with major powers like the US.
The new president will have to address big issues from abroad, particularly with regards to Donald Trump’s recent threats against South Korea, which include crippling tariffs and questioning America’s security commitments. Lee will also face economic difficulties, which have been building up for some time now.
Internationally, there are growing concerns about Taiwan, the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, and rising tensions between Australia’s conservatives and the Liberal-National coalition. In addition, India has seen significant development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including improved infrastructure and higher incomes.
However, this progress has come at a cost, as social segregation and discrimination have increased. As Lee Jae-myung begins his term as president, he will need to navigate these complex challenges and find solutions that benefit the country as a whole.
Source: https://www.economist.com/asia/2025/06/03/can-south-koreas-new-president-mend-a-divided-battered-country