In a historic turn of events that could redefine South Korea’s economic and political landscape, Lee Jae-myung has been officially sworn in as the new President of South Korea following a snap election that saw the highest voter turnout since 1997. Known for his liberal stance and pro-innovation policies, Lee’s victory signals a dramatic pivot not just from the chaos of martial law but toward a futuristic vision led by cryptocurrency, green energy, and economic deregulation.

The center-left Democratic Party leader clinched over 49% of the nearly 35 million votes cast, beating conservative rival Kim Moon-soo who garnered just above 41%. The swift fall of former President Yoon Suk-yeol—ousted amid public fury over a failed martial law declaration—opened the door for Lee’s resurgence as a stabilizing yet progressive force. His immediate assumption of command underscores the urgency of South Korea’s challenges—from inflation and U.S. tariffs to global tech competition.

But what’s captivating both local and international observers is Lee’s ambitious crypto agenda. The newly elected president has vowed to allow the country’s $884 billion national pension fund to invest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. He also supports approving Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and developing a Korean won-backed stablecoin—a move he claims will “prevent national wealth from leaking overseas.” This strategy places South Korea at the forefront of digital finance in Asia, possibly even globally, should these promises materialize.

According to Satoshi Action Fund founder Dennis Porter, who witnessed the elections firsthand, the pro-crypto wave was undeniable. “The turnout was wild,” Porter remarked, emphasizing the importance of Lee’s commitments to crypto in shaping voter enthusiasm. Following Lee’s win, Bitcoin briefly spiked to over 149,000 won on local exchanges, showcasing the “kimchi premium” and investor optimism toward a deregulated financial future.

However, Lee’s vision stretches far beyond blockchain. He has made it clear that economic recovery, social reform, and diplomatic tact are central to his presidency. He pledged to depoliticize the prosecution system, push for a four-and-a-half-day work week, invest heavily in AI and defense, and maintain peace with North Korea through dialogue rather than confrontation. “It is better to win without fighting,” he said in his inaugural speech, emphasizing diplomacy over force.

Despite his conciliatory tone, Lee inherits a volatile external environment. He must negotiate harsh U.S. tariffs that have weighed down South Korea’s export-driven economy. The White House has already hinted at its eagerness to strike a fair deal while voicing concerns over Chinese influence in democratic nations. Lee has maintained that while China remains a vital trade partner, the U.S.-South Korea alliance will remain the backbone of the nation’s foreign policy.

Markets responded favorably to Lee’s win, with South Korea’s KOSPI index jumping over 2%, marking a ten-month high. Financial and renewable energy stocks led the rally, a strong indication that investors are betting on Lee’s reformist and tech-forward economic agenda.

In a bid to stabilize the political structure, Lee has nominated seasoned lawmaker Kim Min-seok asKim Min-seok—a name already known for forecasting the fall of the previous regime. Together, they represent a government with a clear goal: revive democracy, reboot the economy, and reimagine the nation’s future—all while placing crypto and innovation at its core.