South Korea Welcomes New President Amid Hope and Concern

After six months marked by political instability, many South Koreans expressed relief as Lee Jae-myung was sworn in this week, pledging to unify the country and strengthen its faltering economy.

Yet, alongside hope, there is apprehension about the magnitude of obstacles confronting the new administration—even among some of those who supported Lee.

Lee, representing a progressive platform, secured a five-year term in a snap election to replace his former rival, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office following an impeachment triggered by his declaration of martial law last December, which plunged the nation into crisis.

Lee Hye-ye, a 34-year-old office worker in Seoul’s beauty sector, voiced cautious optimism: “It feels like we are beginning to reclaim our country. If the new president was strong enough to remove Yoon, he can steer the nation back on course.”

Her primary concern during the election was the widening political divide. Throughout his campaign, Lee emphasized the importance of bridging this gap. He reiterated this message during his inaugural speech, where supporters gathered outside Parliament waving the national flag and cheering—a stark contrast to the protests six months prior that demanded Yoon’s ouster.

“It is time to build bridges of coexistence, reconciliation, and solidarity,” Lee stated. “The future calls us forward.”