SEOUL – New South Korean President Lee Jae Myung of the country’s liberal Democratic Party vowed Wednesday that his government would prioritize pragmatism to overcome the crisis caused by ousted Yoon Suk Yeol’s imposition of martial law.
The administration “will be a government of just unity and flexible pragmatism,” Lee said during a speech delivered at the National Assembly following his oath of office, a few hours after the National Election Committee confirmed his victory over the conservative People Power Party’s presidential candidate, Kim Moon Soo.
“We will restore what has been shattered by rebellion including people’s livelihoods, the economy, national security, peace, and democracy, and we will build a society that continues to grow and develop sustainably,” Lee said.
The 60-year-old also emphasized the need for a pragmatic and national-interest-centered approach in diplomacy, while vowing to strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Japan.
“Building upon the strong South Korea-U.S. alliance, we will strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Japan, while approaching relations with neighboring countries from the perspective of practicality and national interest,” said Lee.
Lee added that his government will turn the crisis of a major global shift in the economic and security landscape into an opportunity to maximize South Korea’s interests. He faces key challenges, including talks on higher U.S. tariffs with President Donald Trump.
Regarding North Korea, Lee instructed the military’s top uniformed officer to closely monitor developments, as tensions escalate on the divided peninsula with Pyongyang bolstering its armed forces.
During phone talks held in the early morning, Lee urged Adm. Kim Myung Soo, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to make every effort to ensure that the people of South Korea have no need to be on alert over the North’s provocative actions.
Lee’s five-year term commenced immediately after winning the snap election, with the presidency vacant since April 4, when Yoon was removed following a Constitutional Court ruling that upheld a parliamentary impeachment over his brief declaration of martial law in December.
Since his election campaign, Lee has vowed to tighten martial law legislation, support smaller businesses and boost the economy. He plans to reinforce ties with the United States and Japan to counter North Korea, while seeking to improve relations with China and Russia.
Despite a firm stance on wartime labor and territorial disputes with Japan, Lee called the neighboring country a vital partner and pledged deeper economic cooperation.
According to the National Election Commission, Lee secured 49.42 percent of the vote, ahead of the People Power Party’s Kim on 41.15 percent.
Turnout among the over 44 million eligible voters stood at 79.4 percent, the highest in 28 years, according to the commission.
Photo taken on June 4, 2025, in Seoul shows South Korean newspapers reporting the result of the presidential election.
BY: The Times Union
