section_path: Aftermath
section_name: Aftermath
paragraph_text: Aftermath
  
  Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung delivered a victory speech upon confirmation of his election, stating that the victory belonged to the people and thanking voters for demonstrating their democratic will during a time of political uncertainty. He emphasized, "This is a victory for the people and a victory for democracy", and pledged to faithfully fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him. Lee expressed his commitment to building "a nation for ordinary citizens" and affirmed that presidential power must be exercised not for personal gain but solely for the welfare of the people and the future of the country.
  
  Following his inauguration, Lee Jae-myung delivered a statement titled "Message to the People after the Oath of Office" on 4 June 2025. He pledged to become "a president for everyone, embracing and serving all citizens regardless of whom they supported", and vowed to restore dialogue, compromise, and a politics of coexistence and national unity.
  
  People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo delivered a concession speech in the early hours of 4 June 2025, stating that he "humbly accepts the choice of the people" and congratulated Lee Jae-myung on his victory. He expressed gratitude for the public's support throughout the campaign and thanked party members for their dedication and efforts. Kim emphasized that the Republic of Korea has always advanced through the power of its people, regardless of crisis, and conveyed appreciation for the democratic will show by voters during a politically turbulent time.
  
  Kim's defeat triggered immediate calls for reform within the PPP. Former party leader Han Dong-hoon argued that voters had issued "a firm order of expulsion against illegal martial law and the outdated politics that defended it". Lawmaker Han Ji-ah demanded the entire leadership step down “without delay" to rebuild public trust. Floor leader Kwon Seong-dong countered that the party must first "restore a sense of community and end internal strife" to confront the now-governing Democratic Party. On 5 June, PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong resigned to take responsibility for the election result.
  
  Lee Jun-seok, who had pledged to surpass the 10% and even 15% threshold in order to secure public election subsidies, took responsibility for the Reform Party's underperformance in the election. He expressed his gratitude to every party member and supporter, stating that the Reform New Party had now gained experience through both legislative and presidential elections. He emphasized the need for a thorough review of the party's strengths and weaknesses and set the goal of achieving further progress in the upcoming local elections one year from now. He also expressed respect for president-elect Lee Jae-myung and called on the new government to prioritize national unity and respond to the current economic challenges with precision and careful judgment. Lee reaffirmed that the Reform Party would continue to serve as a constructive opposition party and maintain its role in holding the administration accountable.
  
  In a statement to Yonhap News Agency after the election, an unnamed White House official wrote "While South Korea had a free and fair election, the United States remains concerned and opposed to Chinese interference and influence in democracies around the world."