On the 3rd, international media outlets such as the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the American Cable News Network (CNN), the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), and the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the possibility of Lee Jae-myung's election after the exit poll results from the South Korean presidential election were announced.
The media reported that the joint exit poll conducted by KBS, MBC, and SBS indicated that Democratic Party of Korea candidate Lee Jae-myung was likely to be elected president. The exit poll results showed Lee Jae-myung with 51.7%, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party with 39.3%, and Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party with a 7.7% voter rate.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that a leftist politician, who had warned that Korea might become overly dependent on the United States, was likely to emerge victorious in the presidential election according to the exit poll results. WSJ analyzed that the election results could bring changes to South Korea's relations with China and North Korea. Furthermore, it noted Lee Jae-myung once compared himself to Bernie Sanders, stating that he does not want the relationship between Korea and the United States to exclude relations with China or Russia.
It was also reported that while Lee Jae-myung described the Korea-U.S. relationship as a fundamental pillar of South Korean diplomacy, he mentioned last month that this does not mean South Korea should rely entirely on U.S. alliances. It further analyzed that the next government would encounter issues related to U.S. tariff policies, the expense burden of U.S. troops stationed in Korea, and relations with North Korea.
CNN reported that this election carries significant meaning, as South Korea, a U.S. ally and an economic and cultural powerhouse in Asia, has experienced the aftershocks of impeachment for several months. It also explained that in the turmoil following the impeachment trial of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, the economy of our country has faced difficulties due to U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war and the potential for a global economic recession.
The Associated Press (AP) noted immediately after the exit poll, "The results from the three major South Korean broadcasters indicate that this candidate is likely to win easily." It also reported that "this could be a crucial moment for democracy in Korea." Additionally, it conveyed that "the next president will be decided just two months after former President Yoon Suk-yeol stepped down from office following the imposition of martial law."
Reuters analyzed that "the new president will face the challenge of rebuilding an export-led economy that is staggering due to protectionism from the United States, a major trading partner and security ally."
The New York Times reported that "(the new president's challenge will be) improving relations with China, the largest trading partner," while noting that "military ally the United States is demanding that Korea help contain China."
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that the candidate stated during the campaign that he would promote a pragmatic diplomatic policy focused on national interests based on a strong alliance with the United States. The candidate also emphasized his commitment to managing inter-Korean relations stably, stating, "A victory gained through conflict is a 'Pyrrhic victory'" and that "true victory is creating an atmosphere where war is not necessary."