South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung wins presidential election

South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae‑myung won a snap presidential election with 49.42% of the vote, defeating conservative Kim Moon Soo. Lee will be sworn in immediately, skipping the usual transition period, following the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol over a failed martial‑law attempt. As a member of the Democratic Party, he faces key challenges including reviving the economy and managing U.S. trade negotiations. Though he campaigned toward the center, analysts expect a left‑leaning agenda. The election boosted South Korea’s stock market and currency, and Lee plans to form a new cabinet quickly and pursue expansionary fiscal policies while balancing U.S. relations amid security and trade tensions.