Lee Jae-myung was sworn in as South Korea’s new president on Wednesday, marking a significant turning point for the nation after a period of political turmoil. In his inaugural address, Lee vowed to heal the divisions caused by a recent martial law crisis and to revive an economy struggling with slowing growth and global trade tensions.
“The first mission is to decisively overcome insurrection and to ensure there will never be another military coup with guns and swords turned against the people,” Lee declared outside the National Assembly in Seoul.
Lee, a 61-year-old former human rights lawyer, secured a decisive victory in Tuesday’s election, winning 49.42 percent of the nearly 35 million votes cast. His conservative rival, Kim Moon-soo, received 41.15 percent, in an election that saw the highest turnout since 1997.
Assuming office immediately after confirmation by the National Election Commission, Lee faces the urgent task of addressing economic challenges affecting middle and low-income families, as well as small business owners. He emphasized the need to tackle cost-of-living concerns from his first day in office.
Lee also aims to navigate complex international trade issues, particularly in light of tariffs imposed by the United States that impact key South Korean industries like automobiles and steel. “We can overcome this temporary difficulty with the combined strength of our people, who have great capabilities,” he said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Lee on his election win, stating that the two countries “share an ironclad commitment to the alliance grounded in our mutual defense treaty, shared values, and deep economic ties.” Rubio added that both nations are “modernizing the alliance to meet the demands of today’s strategic environment and address new economic challenges.”
Lee reiterated the importance of South Korea’s alliance with the United States, calling it the backbone of the country’s global diplomacy. He pledged to work closely with international partners to promote peace and prosperity in the region.
The months leading up to Lee’s presidency were marked by political instability, including multiple acting presidents and trials related to the martial law declared by former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Lee’s inauguration signals a new chapter for South Korea as it seeks to move beyond past turmoil.
