Lee Jae-myung's Presidential Election Confirmed! Summary of Term Start Point and Security Level

Confirmation of Election and Start of Presidential Term

The election of Lee Jae-myung, the candidate of the Democratic Party, as the 21st President has been confirmed. This result comes from a by-election due to the vacancy of the presidency, and the presidential term begins immediately upon election. Around 2:30 AM on June 4, 2025, as the vote count exceeded 93.8%, Lee Jae-myung's victory was essentially confirmed. The National Election Commission is scheduled to hold a general meeting around 7 AM that day to officially declare the election results. The moment Na Tae-ak, the chairperson of the National Election Commission, proclaims, 'The elected president of the 21st term is Lee Jae-myung,' the presidential term of the elected candidate will commence. This election was conducted as a by-election due to the vacancy of the previous president, and the presidential term begins immediately upon confirmation of the election. Accordingly, the government will be managed without forming a presidential transition committee. According to the constitution, the president elected through a by-election in the event of a vacancy fully exercises the legal powers of the presidency immediately after election.

Transition and Strengthening of the Presidential Security System

With the confirmation of the presidential election results, the security system for the president will be immediately changed. Until now, security was carried out in cooperation with the National Police Agency, but from now on, the Presidential Security Service will take full responsibility for all security. The level of security will be upgraded from the existing 'Eul-ho' to the highest level, 'Gap-ho', with bulletproof vehicles and escort cars provided. Professional drivers belonging to the Presidential Security Service will be assigned to enhance safety measures. The scope of protection will also be expanded, with the president-elect, their spouse, and immediate family members all receiving protection from the Presidential Security Service. Additionally, the residence where the president-elect stays and the temporary office space will be designated as special security zones, with 24-hour protection in place.

Inaugural oath and commencement of presidential duties

President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to hold a simple oath-taking ceremony at 11 a.m. on the same day in the central hall of the National Assembly (Rotunda Hall). There will be no separate official inauguration ceremony, and the oath-taking, which will be conducted in a simplified manner, is expected to include a speech outlining his commitment to upholding the constitution and managing state affairs as president. Additionally, President Lee Jae-myung plans to hold an "appointment ceremony" on July 17, Constitution Day, instead of a formal inauguration ceremony. This event aims to symbolize that "the president is appointed by the people," differentiating it from existing practices.

Initial Presidential Schedule and Start of Governance

President Lee Jae-myung will officially assume all legal powers as president immediately after taking office. He will gain the status of commander-in-chief of the armed forces and is scheduled to receive reports on military readiness and security status regarding North Korea from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as his first agenda item. Following this, he will visit the National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, to pay tribute to the patriotism and sacrifice of fallen heroes, thus beginning his external schedule. In his acceptance speech, President Lee emphasized that "the responsibility of national unity lies with the president" and stated that resolving severe social conflicts and political divides would be the top priority of his administration. With this election victory, President Lee takes on the significant task of leading the government without a transition committee and is expected to directly address various issues, including stabilizing people's livelihoods, national security, and social integration, starting immediately after his inauguration.