Declared through "Message to the People"
"Will end division and become a 'president of unity'"
"Outdated ideologies belong in the museum of history"
Emergency Economic Response Task Force to be launched immediately
President Lee Jae Myung, during his inaugural address titled "Message to the People" at the inauguration ceremony held in the Rotunda Hall of the National Assembly on June 4, pledged to become "a president for all, who embraces and serves every citizen." He also stated that his administration would be "a government of just integration and flexible pragmatism." In particular, President Lee emphasized his determination to begin by restoring people's livelihoods and reviving the economy.
President Lee Jae Myung is taking the oath of office at the 21st presidential inauguration ceremony held at the National Assembly on June 4, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun Min
He vowed to immediately activate an Emergency Economic Response Task Force (TF) and to use national finances as a catalyst to create a virtuous economic cycle. He said, "Let us now consign outdated ideologies to the museum of history," and declared his intention to lead a "pragmatic, market-oriented government."
President Lee officially began his term at approximately 6:21 a.m. on June 4. The National Election Commission confirmed the results of the June 3 early presidential election during a full committee meeting. At 8:07 a.m., President Lee commenced his first official duty as commander-in-chief by speaking with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from his residence in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon. He urged, "I hope you will do your utmost to ensure that the military earns the love and trust of the people," and called for thorough readiness.
At 10:10 a.m., accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye Kyung, he visited the Seoul National Cemetery to lay flowers and offer incense in tribute to the fallen patriots and national heroes. In the guestbook, President Lee wrote, "A world where we live together, a nation where the people are the true owners, a country where the people are happy?we will build this together with the people."
At 11:00 a.m., he took the oath of office in the Rotunda Hall of the National Assembly. Immediately after the oath, President Lee presented five key agendas for the new administration in his inaugural address: a nation where the people are the true owners in both name and reality; a country that grows and develops vigorously once again; a nation where everyone prospers together; a country where culture flourishes; and a safe and peaceful nation.
Meanwhile, President Lee set a new record for the highest number of votes in history by receiving 17,287,513 votes in the June 3 presidential election. He surpassed the 48.91% vote share achieved by former President Roh Moo Hyun in the 16th presidential election, marking the highest percentage for any president from the Democratic Party. Upon the virtual confirmation of his victory, President Lee promised "national unity" to the people in his acceptance speech.
On the same day, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik stated on social media, "The Republic of Korea now stands at the starting line of a new era." He urged, "I hope we move forward on the path of unity that brings the hearts of the people together, on the path of democracy and livelihoods that make people's lives more comfortable, and on the path of peace and prosperity that will elevate Korea's standing in the world."
Cho Seung Rae, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said, "With President Lee Jae Myung, a prepared leader, the Democratic Party will surely realize the true Korea that the people desire." He added, "We will revive the struggling economy and people's livelihoods, and achieve unity and harmony beyond division and conflict." The People Power Party stated, "We will be a strong opposition that addresses national division and protects people's lives," and called on President Lee to "unite a Korea divided by conflict and achieve great national unity."
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