South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung was sworn in office Wednesday, pledging to unite a divided nation, revitalize the economy and pursue pragmatic diplomacy based on national interests.Lee began his five-year term without a transition period earlier in the day as he won a snap election following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid in December.In his inaugural address, Lee vowed to unite a deeply fractured country over Yoon's martial law and subsequent impeachment and ouster.’It is time to restore security and peace, which have been reduced to tools of political strife; to rebuild livelihoods and the economy damaged by indifference, incompetence and irresponsibility; and to revive democracy undermined by armored vehicles and automatic rifles,’ he said.On the economy, Lee pledged to adopt a ‘pragmatic and market-oriented’ approach to revitalize growth and foster advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.In regard to foreign policy, Lee emphasized pursuing ‘pragmatic’ diplomacy centered on national interests to address challenges arising from the shifting economic and security landscape.While underscoring the need for strong deterrence against North Korea's threats, Lee also left the door open to resuming dialogue with the North.’We will open channels of communication and pursue dialogue and cooperation with the North to build lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula,’ he added.Centre-left leader Lee Jae-myung was declared president early Wednesday after winning a thumping victory over conservative Kim Moon-soo. He secured 49.42% of the vote, far ahead of Kim on 41.15%, according to Yonhap News Agency.A formal inauguration ceremony will be held on July 17 in conjunction with the Constitution Day commemoration, the presidential office said in a release, cited by Yonhap.
