The inauguration of Lee Jae-myung as South Korea’s new President was marked by a call for national unity and a commitment to forward-looking diplomacy. In his inaugural address, Lee vowed to address the nation’s stark political divide, deepened by recent events, and pursue a thorough investigation into the martial law imposition, highlighting a commitment to national healing and accountability.
On the international front, Lee committed to reopening dormant talks with North Korea. While asserting “strong deterrence” against North Korean threats, underpinned by the South Korea-U.S. military alliance, he also expressed a firm resolve to “open a communication channel with North Korea and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula through talks and cooperation.” This dual approach aims to establish stability through both dialogue and robust security measures.
Beyond inter-Korean relations, Lee emphasized strengthening trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, advocating for pragmatic diplomacy to maximize South Korea’s national interests amidst global shifts. This signals a proactive stance towards securing South Korea’s position in a rapidly changing international landscape.
The international community, including the U.S., Japan, and China, has congratulated Lee. However, the path to renewed dialogue with North Korea remains uncertain, given Pyongyang’s consistent refusal to engage since 2019 and its deepening ties with Russia. Lee’s ability to navigate these complex challenges will be crucial for his administration.