South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae-myung, vowed Wednesday to revive stalled talks with North Korea and deepen trilateral cooperation with the United States and Japan, setting out key priorities for his five-year term. Lee, a prominent liberal known for his rise from childhood poverty and his stance against inequality and corruption, officially assumed office earlier in the day after winning a snap election in April. The vote was called following the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over his controversial decision to impose martial law late last year.
In his address to the National Assembly, President Lee Jae-Myung pledged to confront the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear program and the risk of potential military action, while also emphasizing his commitment to maintaining peace. He said his administration would work to reopen communication channels with Pyongyang in an effort to prevent escalation and avoid military confrontation.
It remains unclear how North Korea will respond to President Lee Jae-myung’s remarks, as the regime has refused to engage in talks with South Korea since 2019. In recent years, North Korea has supplied weapons and troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. In return, South Korea, the United States, and their allies suspect Moscow may be providing Pyongyang with advanced technologies to aid its nuclear weapons program.