Liberal Lee Jae-myung projected to win South Korea’s snap elections

Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is on track to win South Korea’s snap presidential election, according to a joint exit poll released Tuesday, just two months after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted over his brief imposition of martial law.

The survey, conducted by major broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS, shows Lee securing 51.7% of the vote, ahead of conservative rival Kim Moon Soo, who trails with 39.3%.

The results reflect a public backlash against Yoon’s controversial move, which plunged the country into political crisis and fractured his People Power Party. Lee, representing the Democratic Party, has benefited from that unrest, with polls leading up to the vote also pointing to a likely victory.

Voter turnout reached nearly 80%—one of the highest in South Korea’s presidential election history—underscoring the electorate’s desire for stability.

Supporters erupted in celebration at Democratic Party headquarters as the exit poll numbers were announced, chanting Lee’s name. In contrast, Kim’s camp remained somber and silent.

Final results are expected later tonight.

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