South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae-myung, took office on Wednesday with a pledge to reach out to the North and “heal wounds,” signaling a fresh approach to inter-Korean relations. Lee’s election comes after a snap vote triggered by his predecessor’s controversial martial law declaration.
Winning a decisive victory over conservative rival Kim Moon-soo, Lee’s term began immediately after the official vote tally was certified. In his first act as president, he spoke with the nation’s top military commander, assuming operational control of the armed forces and urging them to maintain readiness in case of any provocations from Pyongyang.
Despite emphasizing military preparedness, Lee expressed a strong desire for dialogue with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). “We are ready to talk and build lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula,” he stated.
Experts note that Lee’s stance marks a significant shift from the policies of his hawkish predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Lee’s approach signals his desire to resolve disagreements through talks without preconditions,” said Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification. “It remains to be seen how Pyongyang will respond.”
The new president held a modest inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly, attended by only a few hundred guests—a stark contrast to the grand outdoor events of previous administrations. Later, he is set to head to the presidential office to begin appointing key cabinet members, with close attention on positions like the presidential chief of staff, prime minister, and director of the National Intelligence Service.
Lee’s leadership brings hope for renewed efforts toward reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula, capturing the attention of young people eager for peace and stability in the region.
