Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, June 5: The exiled Tibetan Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Lee Jae-myung on his recent victory in the presidential election of the Republic of Korea. In a letter sent this morning, the Nobel Laureate expressed his admiration and hope for the new leader’s role in fostering peace and harmony in the region.
“Today the world is passing through very challenging times,” His Holiness wrote, highlighting the growing sense of global interdependence and the shared human responsibility to promote peace. Emphasizing the significance of stability in the Korean peninsula, he remarked, “A lasting peace in the Korean peninsula is of vital importance to the entire world. I am sure you will continue to make persistent efforts to secure lasting peace in the region through diplomacy and dialogue.”
Reflecting on the deep spiritual ties between Korea and the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama noted the increasing engagement of Korean Buddhists with Tibetan monastic education. “In recent years, a growing number of Korean Buddhists has shown an interest in studying at the Centres of Learning we have re-established in India. Meanwhile, I regularly meet Korean Buddhist brothers and sisters who come to India on pilgrimage,” he wrote.
Concluding his message, His Holiness conveyed his prayers and best wishes for President Lee’s success in addressing the challenges ahead and in fulfilling the hopes of the South Korean people. He also expressed his confidence in the president’s efforts to contribute to a more harmonious and peaceful global community.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party secured the presidency in a snap election held on June 3. This election was necessitated by the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was ousted after attempting to impose martial law in December 2024, a move that led to mass protests and his eventual removal from office.
Lee secured a decisive victory, garnering 51.7% of the vote, while his main conservative rival, Kim Moon-soo, received 39.3%. The voter turnout was notably high at 77.8%.
In his victory speech, Lee emphasized the need for unity and pledged to address the nation’s economic challenges and political divisions. He also advocated a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, maintaining the U.S. alliance while promoting open communication with North Korea.
