ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Newly elected President Lee Jae-myung officially begins his mandate

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - Lee Jae-myung, the candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is the new President of the Republic of South Korea. His term will last five years. In the 21st presidential elections held on June 3, Lee received 49.42% of the votes cast, while his rival, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, received 41.15%. Voter turnout was the highest in 28 years, with 79.4% of eligible voters, and more than 35.2 million people went to the polls. In his first address to the nation, Lee Jae-myung promised to lead the country out of the crisis it has been going through following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who had illegally imposed martial law. The 61-year-old lawyer and human rights defender described the election as "judgment day" on the martial law imposed by Yoon and the People Power Party's inability to prevent it. "The first task is to resolutely defeat the insurgency and ensure that there will never be another military coup against the people using guns and swords," Lee said. This morning, June 4, Lee was officially confirmed as president by the National Election Commission, assuming presidential powers and command of the armed forces. The new political direction faces several economic and social challenges: In a highly polarized society, the largely export-based economy is exposed to unpredictable protectionist measures by the United States, which is both a major trading partner and the country's most important security ally. Lee said he wants to increase investment in innovation and technology to boost economic growth, while also strengthening support for middle- and low-income families and combating inequality and corruption. In the area of foreign policy, the president, in presenting the main policy goals for his five-year term, announced his willingness to resume suspended talks with North Korea and to strengthen a trilateral partnership with the United States and Japan. In light of this new political phase, the Catholic Church in Korea has expressed its hopes. In a congratulatory message, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea recalled that "our people saw the roots of the Constitution shaken in the context of martial law and deeply felt the importance of the proper exercise of state power during the process of arresting and removing the president." The message, signed by the chairman of the bishops' conference, Bishop Matthias Iong-hoon Ri, further states: "At this time, we need reliable leadership who will uphold principles and walk the path of justice and true peace even amidst conflict and clashes." The bishops ask that the new president lead the country "so that it becomes a place where all citizens... can enjoy dignity and respect, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution." In particular, the Bishops' Conference requests: "Please examine the situation so that the South and the North can be reconciled, so that peace can be established on the Korean peninsula, and so that we can respond to the global situation with united forces." Finally, it expresses the hope that "the Lord may grant wisdom and courage" so that "all the people of our country can become one and enjoy true happiness." In an official statement, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taick, Archbishop of Seoul and Apostolic Administrator of Pyongyang, emphasizes: "President Lee Jae-myung, elected by the will of the people, will now stand by all, not just one side, and I believe that he will unite scattered hearts and demonstrate worthy leadership for all the people. Especially in these days when political conflicts and social tensions are increasing, I sincerely hope that the President will, above all, set an example of moderation and listening." "I also hope," the Archbishop continued, "that he will demonstrate a deep sense of responsibility and a strong spirit of solidarity" and that the President will be "a leader who builds bridges, not walls" and "goes beyond partisan interests to restore social trust and the common good."
Father Paul Seong Ki-heon of the Catholic University of Korea added: “Peace is a fundamental value not only for the Catholic Church, but for all humanity. We must think and act proactively for peace. I believe there is a genuine desire for peace in the hearts of our people, and I think the government must certainly commit itself to peace, especially in inter-Korean relations.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 4/6/2025)

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