South Korea’s new President Lee Jae-myung has vowed to pursue dialogue with North Korea while strengthening ties with the US and Japan, in a bid to restore stability to a nation still reeling from months of turmoil. The 2022 election was marked by protests and a besieged parliament, but Lee’s victory signals a return to normalcy.
The country’s divisions run deep, dating back to its division into a Soviet-backed north and US-backed south after World War II. The tensions have persisted, with ongoing debates over democracy, social inequality, and economic policies. Since the end of dictatorship in 1987, South Korea has faced numerous challenges to its democratic system.
Lee’s party has a majority in parliament, allowing him to push through liberal legislation, including increased funding for welfare programs and addressing high living costs and joblessness. However, his administration will face criticism from conservatives and US President Donald Trump, who has threatened Seoul with tariffs.
Experts say South Korea is past the worst of the turmoil, but divisions still exist. Lee’s mandate is strong, but he must navigate the complexities of Korean politics without causing further damage to the country’s democratic institutions. With a freer hand in pushing through liberal policies, Lee aims to bring unity and stability to a nation divided along various fault lines.
Despite challenges ahead, many see Lee’s inauguration as a step towards healing the nation and restoring its democratic systems. As one protester said, “The president must bring unity among a divided public.” With a strong mandate and a clear vision, Lee is poised to tackle South Korea’s most pressing issues and restore stability to the country.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-lee-jae-myung-martial-law-tariffs-7a6177c4c12b5f919691bc3d760b17e5