Lee Jae-myung Inaugurated After Snap Election

Lee Jae-myung has been inaugurated as South Korea's president following a snap election called after the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who attempted to impose martial law. Lee pledged to restore national unity, initiate dialogue and cooperation with North Korea, and strengthen alliances with the United States and Japan through pragmatic diplomacy. He committed to restarting talks with North Korea while maintaining deterrence against its nuclear threats and addressing internal political divisions. Lee also promised to investigate those responsible for the martial law crisis, raising concerns about possible political purges. The White House acknowledged the election's fairness but expressed concerns about potential Chinese interference. Lee's foreign policy, especially regarding the US alliance, remains under close scrutiny.