ROK's Lee vows to 'revive' nation

New president stresses unity amid US tariffs, mounting political challenges

The new president of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae-myung stressed national unity and economic revitalization in his inauguration speech on Wednesday, aiming to put the nation back on track after months of chaos and uncertainty following his predecessor's ouster over a martial law attempt.

The new leader faces a daunting task due to a deep political divide in the nation, and challenges on multiple other fronts, including diplomacy and trade, with US tariffs among the big problems, experts said.

"It is time to revive a nation pushed to the brink, restore growth, and create a future where everyone can live happily," said Lee, in his first address to the nation as the country's 21st president after taking the oath of office at the National Assembly in Seoul.