South Korea: Moon Jae-in declares presidential election victory May 9

Event

Presidential election results coming out on the evening of Tuesday, May 9, indicate that South Korea has elected liberal candidate Moon Jae-in to replace former president Park Geun-hye, who was impeached over corruption allegations. Although official results are not expected until Wednesday, as of midnight (local time) on Tuesday Moon had secured a wide enough lead to declare victory, and his opponents have conceded the election. The new leader is expected to be sworn in on Wednesday.

Context

South Korean politics were thrown into disarray late last year amid allegations of corruption against President Park Geun-hye. The scandal eventually forced her from office in March after months of large, peaceful protests. Newly-elected President Moon’s victory returns the country’s liberals to power after nearly a decade of conservative rule. He has stated that he is in favor of dialogue with North Korea and observers believe that his more conciliatory approach to relations on the Korean Peninsula may lead to a rift with the United States over the North’s nuclear weapons program.

Advice

Individuals present in South Korea are advised to maintain a low profile and to refrain from discussing politics with local residents due to the current sensitivity of the matter (pro- and anti-Park Geun-hye sentiment).