South Korea’s newly elected President, Lee Jae-myung, assumed office on Wednesday with a pledge to reach out to North Korea and heal national divisions, following a snap election triggered by his predecessor’s declaration of martial law.
In his first public remarks, the center-left leader promised to pursue peace on the Korean Peninsula, stating:
“No matter how costly, peace is better than war.”
Lee emphasized dialogue over confrontation, marking a sharp shift from his predecessor’s hardline stance on Pyongyang. He vowed to deter North Korean provocations while opening communication channels, a move welcomed by citizens and analysts alike as a “significant departure” from past policies.
Lee won 49.4% of the vote, defeating conservative rival Kim Moon-soo (41.2%), whose campaign was weakened by party infighting and a split right-wing vote. His term began immediately upon certification.
Economic Concerns and Global Trade
In his address, Lee warned of the “existential threat” posed by rising global protectionism and supply chain disruptions—issues particularly pressing as new U.S. tariffs on Korean steel and aluminum loom.
“Rapid changes in the global order… pose a threat to our very survival,” he cautioned.
Markets responded positively to his election, with the KOSPI index and South Korean won both rising.
Key Appointments and International Response
Lee appointed key allies to top positions, including:
- Kim Min-seok as Prime Minister
- Lee Jong-seok, former Unification Minister, as Intelligence Chief
World leaders quickly congratulated Lee, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The White House called the election “free and fair” but raised concerns about foreign influence, particularly from China.
A Mandate for Change
With his party holding a firm parliamentary majority for the next three years, Lee is well-positioned to pursue his policy agenda. Citizens expressed cautious optimism about his conciliatory tone and promises to reunify a politically and socially divided nation.
“I hope we can move in a more positive direction,” said Seoul resident Choi Ki-ho.
“He should devote himself to uniting our divided nation,” added Lee Ju-yeon, a public sector worker.
Lee’s inauguration signals a new chapter for South Korea—one aimed at restoring stability, pursuing peace, and confronting economic headwinds through cooperation and reform.
