On Wednesday, South Korea’s new liberal president, Lee Jae-myung, promised to rebuild the nation after a martial law attempt nearly destroyed it and to revitalize an economy under attack from international protectionism that is endangering its very survival.
Following reaction against a disastrous attempt at military dictatorship that toppled Yoon Suk Yeol barely three years into his turbulent administration, Lee’s resounding victory in Tuesday’s emergency election is poised to bring about a radical transformation in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
He must deal with what may be the most difficult collection of issues facing a South Korean leader in almost thirty years, from mending a nation severely damaged by the martial law attempt to dealing with erratic protectionist actions by the US, a significant trading partner and security ally.