Lee Jae-myung was sworn in as South Korea's new president on Wednesday at a modest ceremony in the National Assembly, promising to reach out to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and 'heal wounds' that have long divided the Korean Peninsula.
He secured a thumping victory over conservative candidate Kim Moon-soo, backed by his predecessor's party, in snap elections triggered by his predecessor's disastrous martial law declaration. The result, certified early Wednesday, saw Lee assume office immediately.
Upon taking the helm, Lee formally assumed operational control of the country's armed forces, speaking with the top military commander and urging continued readiness in case of DPRK provocations. Yet he emphasized his readiness to open dialogue without preconditions.
Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, calls Lee's comments on the DPRK a significant departure from his hawkish predecessor, highlighting a new willingness to resolve disagreements through talks. It remains to be seen how Pyongyang will respond.
Looking ahead, Lee will head to the presidential office to name key cabinet members, with attention on appointments for presidential chief of staff, prime minister, and director of the National Intelligence Service. Around the globe, young entrepreneurs and travelers alike will watch closely to see if a calmer peninsula brings fresh opportunities for tech partnerships, cultural exchanges, and regional stability.
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South Korea's new president vows to 'heal wounds' with the North
cgtn.com
