Lee vows to unite nation, revitalize slowing economy
SEOUL, June 4 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae-myung was sworn into office Wednesday, pledging to unite a divided nation, revitalize the economy and pursue pragmatic diplomacy based on national interests.
Lee began his five-year term without a transition period earlier in the day as he won a snap election following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid in December.
"No matter whom you supported in this election, I will serve as a president for all to embrace and serve every citizen," Lee said in his inaugural address during a scaled-down ceremony held at the National Assembly.
Lee vowed to unite a deeply fractured country over Yoon's martial law and subsequent impeachment and ouster.
"It is time to restore security and peace, which have been reduced to tools of political strife; to rebuild livelihoods and the economy damaged by indifference, incompetence and irresponsibility; and to revive democracy undermined by armored vehicles and automatic rifles," he said.
On the economy, Lee pledged to adopt a "pragmatic and market-oriented" approach to revitalize growth and foster advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
"I will make a government that supports and encourages, not one that controls and manages," he said.
In regard to foreign policy, Lee emphasized pursuing "pragmatic" diplomacy centered on national interests to address challenges arising from the shifting economic and security landscape.
"We will strengthen South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation based on a solid Korea-U.S. alliance and approach relations with neighboring countries from the perspective of practicality and national interest," he said.
While underscoring the need for strong deterrence against North Korea's threats, Lee left the door open to resuming dialogue with the North, which has been stalled since
"We will open channels of communication and pursue dialogue and cooperation with the North to build lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula," he added.
He faces multiple challenges as his inauguration came after six months of a leadership vacuum in the wake of Yoon's martial law debacle, which left South Korea's export-dependent economy vulnerable to U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs.
Lee also faces pressing security challenges, including mounting pressure from the Trump administration for South Korea to increase its financial contributions toward the upkeep of the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed on the peninsula. The discussions come amid growing concerns about a potential realignment of U.S. forces to better counter China's expanding regional influence.
Following Lee's election, a White House official affirmed the "ironclad" South Korea-U.S. alliance while expressing concerns over "Chinese interference and influence in democracies."
Lee is expected to hold a phone call with Trump as early as later this month, according to diplomatic sources.
The ceremony was attended by the heads of the three branches of government, Cabinet members and lawmakers. No foreign dignitaries have been invited.
Prior to the event, Lee paid tribute at Seoul National Cemetery to honor fallen service members.
A formal inauguration ceremony will be held July 17 in conjunction with the Constitution Day commemoration, the presidential office said in a release.
The event will be titled an "Appointment Ceremony," reflecting Lee's belief that "the people appoint the president," the office said.
Holding the ceremony on Constitution Day underscores his commitment to "firmly uphold the constitutional order," it added.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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