Just hours after securing victory in South Korea’s presidential race, Lee Jae-myung delivered his inauguration speech on Wednesday, pledging to “unite the people” and heal national divisions.

The 61-year-old won the snap election with 49.4% of the vote, defeating rival Kim Moon-soo, a candidate from the same party as former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached following months of political turmoil.

Yoon’s controversial attempt to impose martial law had sparked widespread unrest and ultimately led to his removal from office.

Now stepping into the presidency, Lee faces the formidable challenge of restoring national unity while carefully managing South Korea’s crucial alliance with the United States, especially amid the unpredictability of President Trump’s foreign policy approach.