Lee Jae Myung Begins Term as 21st President at 6:21 a.m. on June 4... Transfer of Authority

National Election Commission Holds Full Committee Meeting at 6:15 a.m.
Official Confirmation of Lee Jae Myung as President-Elect
Immediate Transfer of Presidential Powers Following Constitutional Court Ruling

The term of Lee Jae Myung, the 21st president, began at 6:21 a.m. on June 4.

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate who is certain to be elected as the 21st president, and his wife Kim Hye Kyung are giving a speech at the national vote counting broadcast event held in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on June 4, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun Min

The National Election Commission held a full committee meeting at 6:15 a.m. and officially confirmed Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, as the president-elect based on the results of the 21st presidential election. Since this election was held following the Constitutional Court’s impeachment ruling against former President Yoon Suk Yeol, the new president’s term began immediately upon the adoption of the resolution confirming the president-elect.

At 6:21 a.m., Chairman Noh Tae Ak of the National Election Commission declared, “The 21st president-elect is Lee Jae Myung,” and struck the gavel, after which Lee immediately assumed the status of president. All inherent powers, including the authority as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, were automatically transferred from acting president Lee Joo Ho, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, to President Lee at the moment the term began.

The National Election Commission plans to issue the certificate of election to President Lee through his representative, Park Chan Dae, the Democratic Party floor leader, at the Government Complex in Gwacheon at 7 a.m. President Lee secured victory in this election with 49.42% of the votes (17,287,513 votes). Kim Moon Soo, the People Power Party candidate, received 41.15%, and Lee Jun Seok, the Reform New Party candidate, received 8.34%.

President Lee secured victory in this election with 49.42% of the votes (17,287,513 votes). Candidate Kim Moon Soo received 41.15%, and candidate Lee Jun Seok received 8.34%, respectively.

Chairman Noh stated, “We must respect the outcome of this election, which was created by each and every precious vote cast by the people,” and added, “We will continue to do our utmost with the mission of election management entrusted by the Constitution and with strict neutrality.”