South Korea’s new President vows to bolster ties with U.S., Japan

South Korea’s newly inaugurated President Lee Jae-myung pledged on Wednesday to restart stalled talks with North Korea and strengthen the trilateral partnership with the United States and Japan. In his first address to the National Assembly, Lee outlined his administration’s key policy objectives for his single five-year term.

Lee, who overcame childhood poverty to become South Korea’s prominent liberal leader, officially assumed office following a snap election triggered by the ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol last year. Yoon was removed due to his controversial imposition of martial law.

Despite emphasizing strong deterrence against North Korean nuclear threats and military provocations in alignment with the South Korea-U.S. military alliance, Lee expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue and collaboration with North Korea to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Lee also highlighted his commitment to pragmatic diplomacy with neighboring countries and enhancing trilateral cooperation among Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo based on the robust South Korea-U.S. alliance.

Addressing challenges such as President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and North Korea’s military partnerships with Russia, Lee underscored the need for a strategic approach to safeguard South Korea’s national interests amidst evolving global economic and security landscapes.

While Lee’s election may not lead to immediate shifts in South Korea’s foreign policy, his recent emphasis on the country’s alliance with the United States indicates a balanced approach to international relations. Experts anticipate how Lee’s governance will impact national security and alliance dynamics.

Lee’s top priority is revitalizing the domestic economy, combating recession threats through aggressive government spending, and fostering unity to bridge political divisions exacerbated by past events. He also vowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding Yoon’s martial law imposition and address societal inequalities that hinder further growth.

As Lee embarks on his term without the customary transition period, his administration faces challenges ranging from economic recovery to political reconciliation. The future trajectory of South Korea under Lee’s leadership hinges on his ability to navigate internal and external complexities while pursuing his vision for a more inclusive and prosperous nation.

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Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report.