S. Korea Decides: Expert analysis of 2025 presidential election results

It's just past midnight here in Seoul, and with over 50 percent of ballots now counted, the presidential race is coming into focus—with exit polls and major broadcasters projections showing Lee Jae-myung decisively leading the race.

But beyond the numbers, tonight's election sends a powerful message about the public's hopes and expectations for the country's future.

To help us unpack what this means, we're joined once again by Professor Hans Schattle from Yonsei University. Thank you for staying with us, Professor.

1. As we go halfway through ballot counting, and the exit polls are out, we're seeing a clearer picture take shape.

2. Let's circle back to the election itself, in the final weekend, candidates focused heavily on specific regions — Lee Jae-myung in the capital and Chungcheong, Kim Moon-soo in Gangwon and Gyeongbuk, and Lee Jun-seok targeting youth in urban areas.

3. We've talked about the youth vote and generational divides. Based on the numbers we're seeing now, are there signs that younger voters showed up — and did they swing the race in any meaningful way?

4. We've focused a lot on numbers — but stepping back, what do you think this vote says about how the public is feeling politically, socially, and economically right now? Does this feel like a protest vote, a call for change, or a vote for stability?

5. Looking beyond the domestic picture, how might the outcome of this election — should current trends hold — reshape South Korea's approach to diplomacy, especially with the U.S., China and North Korea?

6. Now that we're seeing a clearer outcome in the presidential race — let's delve deeper into the candidate's personal background. It seems as though Lee Jae-myung is now on the verge of becoming president, pending final confirmation. From a factory worker to a human rights lawyer and now a politician — it's quite a trajectory. How did his personal journey shape the way he's been received by voters?

7. He's also been building political capital for years. From mayor of Seongnam to governor of Gyeonggi-do Province, how did that rise prepare him for this moment?

8. But his path hasn't been without danger. He survived an assassination attempt in early 2024 — an event that shocked the country. Can you remind us what happened and how that moment reshaped the tone of this race?

9. Looking at the broader political backdrop, the Democratic Party secured a dominant majority in the 22nd general election last April. Do you think that strengthened Lee's — and his party's — position as this presidential race took shape?

10. And following the Constitutional Court's decision on April 4th to uphold former President Yoon's impeachment, Lee formally declared his candidacy. Was that a turning point? How significant was his decision to resign as party leader and step into the race?

11. A preliminary count shows Lee Jae-myung winning over 48 percent of the vote. How should we read that margin in terms of the national mood and public support?

12. So we are waiting for Lee Jae-myung to deliver his victory speech. What typically defines a moment like this in Korean politics — and what do you expect in terms of tone, setting, and message?

13. Looking ahead, how do you expect Lee Jae-myung to position himself as president — especially coming into office with such a dramatic backstory and high expectations?

14. As someone who's studied Korean democracy for years, what developments would you hope to see from this new chapter in leadership?

-Just six months ago, the country experienced a brief period of martial law with the National Assembly placed under control. Now, at the very same venue, the Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung is expected to deliver his victory speech. What does this dramatic turn of events say about the state of South Korea's democracy and political climate?