In a public statement titled What We Expect From the New President, Rev. Kim Jong-hyuk, president of the United Christian Churches of Korea, expressed hope that the newly elected president Lee Jae-myung and the government will bring about new hope and respect in a political landscape marked by division.
“We look forward to a president and government that can transform the history of Korean politics—filled with distrust, division, hatred and confrontation—into one of new hope and mutual respect,” Kim said in the June 3 statement, as reported by Christian Daily Korea. “We pray for God’s grace and blessing on this new chapter.”
The statement came in the wake of South Korea’s 2025 snap presidential election, in which liberal candidate Lee of the Democratic Party secured victory with approximately 49.3% of the vote, defeating conservative rival Kim Moon-soo, who garnered around 41.3%. The election was prompted by the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his controversial declaration of martial law in December 2024.
Kim noted that the election followed a period of political turmoil and said the people have high expectations for the new leadership they have chosen.
“For the past three years, our nation has endured governmental instability and social division caused by political leadership,” he said. “Externally, threats to national security, the reshaping of the international order, and economic uncertainty have shaken national trust. Internally, the absence of leadership and unnecessary, wasteful conflicts have compounded hardships in people’s daily lives.”
Kim emphasized that the newly elected president now bears the heavy responsibility of not only stabilizing state affairs but also promoting national unity and taking charge of the people’s livelihoods and the country’s future.
“To this end, the president must reflect on the failures of past administrations and serve not only those who supported him, but all citizens—including those who did not vote for him—by narrowing ideological divides and focusing on pressing livelihood and economic issues that will improve people’s lives,” he said.
He added that the president must also take the lead in the peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula through diplomacy rooted in self-reliant national defense, while strengthening national sovereignty and ensuring the stable development of a free and democratic republic.
Kim urged the new administration to break from the pattern of past governments that, under the pretext of reform, engaged in undemocratic governance and failed to respect opposing views—resulting in widespread division and public suffering.
“Recognizing the pain this has caused, we ask the president to put greater effort into building public understanding and consensus,” he said.
“We want a successful president and a successful government,” Kim concluded. “That would benefit all citizens and offer a better Republic of Korea to the next generation.”
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Several other Christian bodies have since released statements, as reported by Christian Daily Korea:
Christian Council of Korea: “May the president embrace all citizens and achieve unity”
The Christian Council of Korea (CCK), led by President Rev. Koh Kyung-hwan, expressed hope that President Lee would demonstrate leadership grounded in cooperation and guide the nation toward mutual respect and inclusion.
“We hope President Lee Jae-myung will demonstrate leadership that embodies cooperative governance, unites the people, and builds a society where opponents are embraced and respected,” the CCK said in a statement.
“National unity became a major theme during the presidential campaign,” the statement continued. “In truth, it is not a new issue. Our society has long grappled with persistent divisions across regions, generations and ideologies. While achieving unity is never simple, and we are fully aware of the recurring conflicts that arise with each new issue, we cannot afford to give up on the pursuit of integration.”
The CCK emphasized that calls for unity must be supported by action, warning that “if not backed by tangible efforts, such calls risk becoming hollow.”
The statement also cautioned against the polarization seen in political discourse: “Extreme voices may be provocative and easily attract attention, giving the impression that the nation is divided. But leaders must remember that many citizens are silently observing, hoping for something that reconciles instead of divides.”
Citing Romans 14, the CCK said the Bible teaches how the strong and weak should treat each other—with mutual respect and restraint. “If the country continues to divide people into ‘us versus them,’ harmony will not be possible and conflict will only continue,” it said.
“We pray that the new president will embrace all citizens, including critics, and lead the way toward genuine reconciliation and respect.”
Christian Media Forum: “Resist power abuse; pursue moderation and inclusivity”
The Christian Media Forum of Korea, led by Rev. Lim David, called on President Lee to follow through on his promises to govern beyond ideological lines.
“The newly elected president must now fulfill his pledge to rise above progressive-conservative divisions, and practice moderation, inclusivity and cooperative leadership,” the forum said.
It cautioned against the abuse of power or governing with unchecked ambition: “The president must avoid recklessness and excessive desire for control, which can undermine national governance. He must always remember that he holds office to serve the people.”
The statement added that if the president neglects the people, “he will be quickly abandoned by them.”
The forum also urged the administration not to introduce harmful legislation such as the controversial “Equality Act,” which many Christian groups oppose. “Laws related to religion must be handled with care. Christianity is a patriotic faith that prays for the nation, its leaders and its identity,” it said. “We must pray even more earnestly to prevent this country from falling into misfortune.”
National Council of Churches in Korea: “Respond responsibly to Korea’s overlapping crises”
The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK), led by General Secretary Rev. Kim Jong-saeng, also addressed the new administration, urging it to respond with responsibility to the public’s demands and the crises facing the nation.
“We hope the new government will deeply reflect on the people’s aspirations and the pressing issues of our time, which were clearly revealed in this election, and begin a new chapter of responsible politics,” Kim said.
The NCCK called on the government to foster peace despite Korea’s division, to broaden public dialogue, and to replace the language of hatred with cooperation in public life.
It also emphasized the need to overcome polarization and disregard for human dignity, and to build a society where young people do not have to give up on their dreams and where immigrants, people with disabilities, women and workers can live with dignity.
“We urge President Lee Jae-myung and the new administration to willingly embrace this responsibility and guide South Korea toward becoming a society where life, justice and peace thrive,” Kim said.
