Seoul: President Lee Jae-myung, inaugurated as South Korea's 21st president, has pledged to be "a president for all" in his inaugural address, titled "A Message to the People." Emphasizing inclusivity, Lee stated that the president's role is to serve and embrace all citizens, regardless of whom they supported in the election. He criticized political forces that divide the public to maintain power, vowing to end such divisive politics and calling for unity in a country long divided by partisan confrontation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Korea is facing a crisis rooted in deep national division, with politics of mutual destruction between ideological camps leading to governance paralysis and hindering responses to major economic and security challenges. This backdrop adds significance to Lee's call for "bridges of coexistence, reconciliation and solidarity" instead of hatred and confrontation. His initial act as president-sharing a bibimbap lunch with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and leaders of six political parties-symbolized his commitment to restoring dialogue and compromise. Lee's invitation to opposition figures like Kim Yong-tae of the People Power Party and Chun Ha-ram of the Reform Party must transcend mere formality.
However, symbolism alone is insufficient for achieving national unity. Many presidents have spoken of integration post-election, only to succumb to factional politics. To honor his promise of a pragmatic, flexible government, President Lee must adhere to the values he articulated in his inaugural speech: "Let us send outdated ideologies to the museum of history. From now on, there are no progressive or conservative problems-only the problems of the people and of Korea."
If Lee's administration enacts policies reflecting this principle-such as combining elements of former Presidents Park Chung Hee's and Kim Dae-jung's agendas based on merit-it could mitigate skepticism among voters who did not support him. Election results indicated voters held the previous conservative administration accountable for its martial law declaration attempt, while also criticizing the Democratic Party (DP) for intensifying political strife through legislative overreach and excessive impeachment motions. Concerns persist that the DP, now in power, could attempt to influence the judiciary if it dominates the legislature and executive.
On Lee's first day in office, the DP-led Legislation and Judiciary Committee passed a bill to significantly increase the number of Supreme Court justices, raising questions about the party's intentions on a day the president spoke of unity. If the party pushes forward revisions to the Public Official Election Act and Criminal Procedure Act-legislation closely tied to President Lee's legal issues-his vision for unity may be doubted.
For Koreans to truly experience cooperation and integration, Lee's administration must deliver results through action, not just rhetoric. As president of a democratic republic, he must embrace not only his base but also those who did not vote for him. Only through consistent and inclusive governance can he demonstrate his commitment to being a president for all.