Conservative South Korean opposition candidate Yoon Suk-yeol rode to victory in a tight presidential election on a wave of discontent over economic policy, scandals and gender wars, reshaping the political future of Asia’s fourth-largest economy. READ:
His victory in Wednesday’s bitterly fought election marks a stunning turnaround for the main conservative bloc, now known as the People Power Party, which has regrouped since the 2017 snap election after the impeachment and ouster of then President Park Geun-hye.
Mr. Yoon has pledged to stamp out graft, foster justice, and create a more level economic playing field, while seeking a “reset” with China and a tougher stance towards reclusive North Korea, which has launched a record number of missile tests in recent months. Mr. Yoon will need to restore public trust in Korea’s institutions and is likely to conduct major “housecleaning” by following through on a campaign pledge to investigate Mr. Moon’s administration for corruption, she added.
The election was one of the closest in recent history and came after an unusually bitter campaign marred by scandals and smears. Both candidates’ disapproval ratings matched their popularity as scandals, mud-slinging and gaffes dominated what was dubbed the “unlikeable election.”Mr. Lee’s loss casts doubt on Mr. Moon’s legacy, including his signature efforts to engage with North Korea, which have largely been stalled since talks fell apart in 2019.
The White House congratulated Mr. Yoon, saying President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., looked forward to working closely with him to bolster the alliance.“We can expect the alliance to run more smoothly and be in sync for the most part on North Korea, China, and regional and global issues,” said Mr. Kim from the Center for a New American Security.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Conservative Yoon wins tight South Korean presidential raceThe opposition conservative Yoon Suk-yeol has won South Korea’s presidential election, Yonhap reported early Thursday, propelling a political novice and avowed anti-feminist to the helm of Asia’s fourth largest economy.
Read more »
South Korea votes for new leader to tackle COVID-19, soaring house prices, inequalityIt shapes up as a tight two-way race between Lee Jae-myung, the standard-bearer of the ruling Democratic Party, and Yoon Suk-yeol, from the conservative main opposition People Power Party.
Read more »
South Korea chooses new president with inequality key concernSouth Koreans were at the polls electing a new president Wednesday with economic inequality a top concern especially among young swing voters, despite growing sabre-rattling from the nuclear-armed North.
Read more »
Investigate missing online cockfighters, Duterte tells police - BusinessWorld OnlinePresident Rodrigo R. Duterte has ordered law enforcers to investigate the disappearance of almost three-dozen small-time online cockfighters, according to his executive secretary. READ:
Read more »