Exit Polls Reveal Lee Jae-myung Maintains Strong Lead in South Korea Election

Lee Jae-myung, representing South Korea’s majority liberal Democratic Party, has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the nation’s snap presidential election, according to exit polls released Tuesday evening. As voters flocked to polling stations across the country, a palpable sense of anticipation marked an election closely watched for its implications on both domestic and regional politics.

A joint exit poll by three major terrestrial broadcasters gave Lee a substantial 51.7 percent share of the vote. His main rival, Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party, trailed with 39.3 percent. Meanwhile, Lee Jun-seok of the smaller New Reform Party secured 7.7 percent, reflecting a fragmented but largely two-way contest.

Further projections from local broadcasters—including JTBC, Channel A, and MBN—also pointed to Lee maintaining a consistent lead over Kim, with all estimates placing the margin at approximately 10 percentage points. These results underscore a shift in public sentiment, as voters appeared to back the Democratic Party’s liberal agenda in the wake of political turbulence that led to the early election.

The unexpectedly wide margin has sparked discussion among political analysts about the changing landscape of South Korean politics. Many note that Lee’s campaign—focused on economic reform, social welfare, and diplomatic engagement—managed to galvanize core supporters while appealing to undecided voters weary of polarization.

As the nation awaits the official results, Lee Jae-myung's apparent victory is poised to significantly shape South Korea’s future policy direction, particularly in areas of domestic reform and international relations. The coming days will be crucial as the final votes are tallied and the political establishment prepares for a new administration.