South Korean Exit Poll Points to Progressive Lee as Winner of Presidential Election

South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung is heading for victory in the elections, according to a joint exit poll by three South Korean television stations. The leader of the progressive Democratic Party is projected to secure nearly 52% of the votes.

South Koreans went to the polls today to choose a successor to former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was impeached last year after declaring a state of emergency, leading to a political crisis in the Asian country.

Lee faced off against Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party, who received around 39% of the votes in the exit poll. Earlier polls had already indicated Lee as the favorite among South Korean voters. A total of six candidates participated in the election.

This is Lee's second presidential bid, having narrowly lost to Yoon in 2022. His party is the largest opposition group and holds a majority in parliament.

The new president will be sworn in tomorrow and must address significant domestic challenges, including an aging population, rising household debt, and limited wage growth. U.S. tariffs also weigh on the South Korean economy.

The final results will be announced tonight around 17:00 Dutch time, with the new president taking office tomorrow.