New president faces formidable challenges that could plunge his term into crisis before it has even begun

Lee Jae-myung will need to draw on his considerable survival instincts as he attempts to steer South Korea out of the political morass of the past six months.

The liberal candidate, who on Tuesday became the country’s president at the third attempt after defeating his conservative rival, Kim Moon-soo, has promised to govern for all South Koreans – and for good reason. After a swift transfer of power that see him take office on Wednesday, Lee will inherit a deeply scarred country.

Liberal who led campaign to oust Yoon Suk Yeol wins race as conservative opponent concedes defeat

Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung has won the vote to become South Korea’s new president after a snap election triggered by a brief period of martial law imposed by the now-impeached former leader, Yoon Suk Yeol.

With 100% of the ballots counted, Lee won 49.42% of nearly 35 million votes cast, while his conservative rival Kim Moon-soo had taken 41.15%, according to national election commission data, which said turnout was the highest for a presidential election since 1997.