Five Major Changes Expected in South Korea Under President Lee Jae-myung
In May 2025, Lee Jae-myung was elected as the 21st President of South Korea, ushering in a new political era. His presidency is anticipated to bring about transformative shifts across the political, economic, and social spheres. This article outlines five key changes expected to reshape South Korean society under President Lee’s leadership.
1. Constitutional Reform and a Restructuring of Political Power
During his campaign, President Lee proposed a constitutional amendment introducing a renewable four-year presidential term and a runoff voting system. These reforms aim to enhance political accountability and long-term stability by addressing the limitations of the current single five-year presidential term.
He also advocated for a parliamentary recommendation system for appointing the Prime Minister and transferring the Board of Audit and Inspection under the National Assembly’s jurisdiction. These structural changes are likely to ignite intense political debates and will require bipartisan cooperation and broad public consensus to move forward.
2. Expansion of Welfare and the Introduction of Basic Income
One of President Lee’s signature pledges is the implementation of a universal basic income and the expansion of social welfare, particularly for youth, the elderly, and low-income groups. His vision includes strengthened support in healthcare, education, and housing to build a more inclusive and secure social safety net.
While this policy direction is aimed at reducing income inequality and enhancing quality of life, it will necessitate a robust plan for fiscal sustainability and public consensus to ensure long-term viability.
3. Judicial and Prosecutorial Reform
President Lee is expected to advance significant judicial reforms, including the separation of prosecutorial investigation and indictment powers, and strengthening the authority of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).
These reforms are designed to bolster the system of checks and balances and uphold judicial fairness. However, strong resistance from within the prosecution and political opposition may arise. Transparent procedures and fair standards will be crucial to securing public trust in the process.
4. Real Estate Policy Shift and Housing Stabilization
To address South Korea’s long-standing housing crisis, President Lee plans to implement sweeping real estate reforms. These include expanding public housing supply, reforming property taxation, and introducing caps on rent and lease increases.
Special attention will be given to providing housing support for non-homeowners and young people. While these measures could help stabilize housing prices and mitigate inequality, their effectiveness will depend on market response and detailed policy execution.
5. Recalibrating Foreign Policy and Advancing Inter-Korean Relations
President Lee is likely to pursue a pragmatic foreign policy, balancing strong ties with the U.S. while deepening strategic cooperation with China and seeking resolution of historical disputes with Japan.
He has also expressed a commitment to restarting inter-Korean dialogue and expanding humanitarian aid, signaling a renewed effort toward peace on the Korean Peninsula. However, such efforts will be shaped by the broader international landscape and North Korea’s strategic calculations.
Conclusion: Toward a New Chapter in Korean Society
The election of President Lee Jae-myung marks a pivotal moment for South Korea. His administration is expected to initiate bold reforms and policy shifts across multiple domains, generating both high public expectations and cautious skepticism.
As Korea enters this new chapter, the Lee administration’s ability to maintain transparent communication, foster political cooperation, and earn the trust of the people will be vital in navigating the complex challenges ahead.
