"Conservatives Return" Major Foreign Media Focus on Yoon's Election Victory (Comprehensive)

White House: "The ROK-US Alliance Is Rock Solid"
Kishida: "Expecting Improvement in Korea-Japan Relations"
No Official Response Yet from Chinese Government

Yoon Suk-yeol, the president-elect of the 20th Republic of Korea, is holding a victory greeting press conference on the morning of the 10th at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Beijing=Correspondent Cho Young-shin, New York=Correspondent Jo Seul-gi, Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Following the confirmation of the election of Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party candidate, in South Korea's 20th presidential election held on the 9th, foreign media outlets also reported the news as breaking news. In particular, the White House promptly expressed congratulations along with expectations for expanded cooperation. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio conveyed his congratulations and emphasized the importance of close communication to restore relations.

A White House spokesperson said on the 9th (local time), "We congratulate President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol." He added, "The alliance between the United States and South Korea, our two economies and peoples, is ironclad," and stated, "President Joe Biden looks forward to continuing to work with the new president-elect of South Korea to further expand close cooperation."

U.S. media focused on Yoon's declared diplomatic strategy. While taking a tough stance toward North Korea and China, a strong alliance with the United States is anticipated.

The New York Times reported in a Seoul dispatch on the morning of the 10th, "Yoon Seok-yeol, a former prosecutor and opposition leader, won South Korea's most fiercely contested presidential election by less than 1%," and "The conservative who calls for a tougher stance on North Korea and a stronger alliance with the United States has returned." It also predicted that unlike President Moon Jae-in, who maintained balance by showing 'strategic ambiguity' between the U.S. and China, President-elect Yoon will demonstrate 'strategic clarity' by prioritizing the Korea-U.S. alliance.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also noted that Yoon's victory would bring significant changes to South Korea's foreign policy. The Washington Post (WP) highlighted the news of the conservative party's return to power after five years, evaluating that "it has opened an era of conservative rule that could bring major changes to South Korea's policies in the face of North Korea's nuclear ambitions and China's rise."

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is holding a victory greeting press conference on the morning of the 10th at the National Assembly Library in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

In Japan, there is growing anticipation for improvement in the historically worst-ever South Korea-Japan relations. However, given the tangled issues such as South Korean court rulings on compensation for forced laborers and comfort women victims, as well as Japan's export restrictions on South Korea, some predict that improving relations will not be easy.

Prime Minister Kishida reportedly said on the 10th upon hearing of Yoon's election, "I welcome the election and sincerely congratulate him," according to the Mainichi Shimbun. Kishida added, "A sound Korea-Japan relationship is essential for world peace and stability," and expressed expectations for Yoon's leadership. Regarding ways to improve the deteriorated Korea-Japan relations, he said, "It is fundamental to keep promises between countries," and added, "It is important to make efforts to communicate closely with the new president to restore a sound relationship."

Kyodo News reported, "With Yoon's victory, there is a high possibility of improvement in Korea-Japan relations," and noted, "He intends to resolve outstanding Korea-Japan issues such as past history problems and Japan's export restrictions on South Korea through a comprehensive settlement."

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun mentioned Yoon's statement that he would not use diplomacy with Japan for domestic politics, saying, "He advocates a comprehensive resolution of issues including past history," but warned, "If mishandled regarding compensation for forced labor, Korea-Japan relations could worsen further." NHK reported, "The Japanese government plans to promote improved relations following the change of government in South Korea, but there are also expectations that it will be difficult to close the gap between the two countries due to issues such as forced labor."

Chinese media, which had been closely watching the South Korean presidential election results, also showed deep interest by issuing breaking news early on the 10th.

There has been no official response from Chinese authorities yet. The overseas edition of the People's Daily, the Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper, reported that Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, acknowledged defeat and sent congratulations to President-elect Yoon.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.