Exit Polls Show Lee Jae-myung Leading Clearly in South Korea Election

South Korea's political landscape appears poised for a significant shift as Lee Jae-myung, the candidate from the country's majority liberal Democratic Party, emerged with a commanding lead in exit polls following Tuesday's snap presidential election. The unprecedented early election was called amid political turbulence and mounting demands for change in the nation's executive leadership. According to a joint exit poll conducted by three major terrestrial broadcasters, Lee clinched an impressive 51.7 percent of the vote. This performance places him substantially ahead of his closest rival, Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party, who secured just 39.3 percent. Meanwhile, Lee Jun-seok of the minor conservative New Reform Party garnered 7.7 percent support—a figure that, while notable for a smaller party, fell short of challenging the two frontrunners. Separate local broadcast projections from JTBC, Channel A, and MBN echoed similar results, each indicating that Lee maintained a roughly 10 percentage point lead over Kim. If the exit polls and early projections hold when the official tally is complete, Lee's victory would signify a return of liberal leadership to the Blue House and may mark a decisive moment following a period of heightened political partisanship and public debate about the nation's direction. Voter turnout across the country was reported to be robust, with citizens braving long lines at polling stations. Observers noted that pressing issues such as economic inequality, youth unemployment, and national security were at the forefront of voters’ minds. Lee’s platform—centered on social welfare expansion, economic reform, and renewed dialogue with North Korea—appears to have resonated strongly with a broad segment of the electorate seeking stability and progressive change. The final results are expected to be confirmed later this evening, but the preliminary figures have already prompted celebrations among Lee’s supporters in central Seoul. Meanwhile, leaders of the rival parties have called for patience and urged unity, regardless of the outcome. The new president will be tasked with addressing domestic challenges and navigating complex geopolitical dynamics in Northeast Asia as South Korea enters a critical new chapter.