"To President Lee Jae Myung"...Religious Communities Offer Their Requests

Lee Jae Myung Elected President
Religious Communities Offer Congratulations and Words of Advice
All Religious Groups Emphasize Unity
Reviving Democracy and Achieving Harmony Are Essential

As Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, has been elected president with 49.42% of the vote, religious communities have extended their congratulations along with words of advice.

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate who is certain to be elected as the 21st president, is entering the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on June 4, 2025, to thank the campaign committee chairs. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea stated, "Our people have acutely experienced how important the proper exercise of state power is, having gone through times when the roots of the Constitution were shaken under martial law, as well as the arrest and impeachment of presidents. And with each precious vote, a new president has been elected." The Conference emphasized, "What we need now is a trustworthy leader who will uphold principles and walk the path of justice and true peace, even amid conflict and confrontation."

The Conference also urged, "In accordance with the spirit of the Constitution, please lead the nation so that every citizen is the sovereign, everyone can enjoy dignity and respect as a human being, and everyone is guaranteed the right to express their views with confidence." Additionally, it appealed, "For peace on the Korean Peninsula, please guide state affairs so that North and South Korea can reconcile, and so that we can join forces and respond together amid global circumstances."

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism stated, "This election has been a valuable occasion that clearly demonstrated that our Constitution and democracy are firmly functioning in this land." The Order continued, "Now, we must leave behind division and confrontation, and move forward together on the path of unity and healing. Above all, we earnestly ask that you restore broken trust through governance that puts the lives of the people first."

The National Council of Churches in Korea said, "The newly elected president now bears the heavy responsibility of not only ensuring stable governance but also achieving national unity, and must take responsibility for the lives of the people and the future of our community." The Council added, "We are deeply aware that past administrations, under the pretext of reform, have caused suffering for the entire nation by engaging in undemocratic rule that failed to respect opponents and exploited national division and conflict. We ask that you make greater efforts to gain public understanding and consensus."