Lee Jae Myung: New President of South Korea starts high expectations

Lee Jae Myung: New President of South Korea starts high expectations

Südkorea - On June 4, 2025, Lee Jae Myung started his term as President of South Korea. The national election commission confirmed its victory in the presidential election, in which he received 49.4 percent of the vote, while his competitor Kim Moon achieved 41.2 percent. The turnout was the highest in almost 30 years at 79.4 percent, which underlines the political mobilization of the South Koreans. Lee is now the head of the government and commander -in -chief of the armed forces. In his first official act, he asked the military to carefully observe developments in North Korea in order to be prepared for possible threats. He follows the former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is on trial because of a treason and was relieved in April by the constitutional court of his office.

LEES Wahl marks a decisive change for South Korea, which is currently suffering from economic declines and the consequences of a military law crisis. His goal is to stabilize the fourth largest economy of Asia and to improve diplomatic relationships. The measures to combat the high cost of living are particularly challenging and the need to negotiate trade tariffs with the USA, an important ally. Despite the concerns regarding Chinese influence, the White House Lees choice has recognized as fair and welcomes the possibility of strengthening bilateral relationships.

internal challenges and reforms

The economic challenges for Lee are complex, and he is faced with the immediate task of managing the consequences of the failed military coup by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee's political scientists agree that his government urgently needs reforms to address the economic and social problems that have accumulated during the previous term. In particular, the increasing cost of living and the unequal distribution of prosperity are topics that have top priority.

The context of the choice is shaped by a deep political division, which results from a variety of scandals and regional rivalries. Housing prices in South Korea have almost doubled since 2017, making many households from the middle class from the real estate market. These conditions could affect LEE's ability to carry out its political agenda, especially since the parliament is controlled by the opposition Democratic Party.

foreign policy perspectives

Foreign politics plans to promote relationships with his neighbors, including North Korea and China, while at the same time strengthening alliance with the USA and South Korea. This can be regarded in response to the critical attitude of the previous President Yoon, who pursued a harder line compared to North Korea and whose foreign policy was rated as too passive. Lee could try to pursue a new diplomatic approach that revives the dialogue with North Korea and at the same time keeps an eye on the strategic interests of the USA.

Overall, Lee Jae Myung faces the challenge of not only securing the internal stability of his country, but also to strengthen South Korea's international position in an increasingly polarized world. In his first official acts, it will be shown how well he succeeds in mastering this balancing act between domestic political reforms and foreign policy initiatives.