US EditionHe Survived an Assassination Attempt. Now South Korea’s New President Must Heal Divisions and Tread Cautiously with Trump
- Lee Jae-myung became South Korea's new president in 2025 after winning a decisive election amid deep political divisions and recent unrest in Seoul.
- His election follows six months of turmoil, including a short-lived martial law attempt by former president Yoon Suk Yeol and aggressive US tariffs impacting South Korea's economy.
- Lee faces urgent challenges, such as managing strained relations with the US under Trump, addressing North Korea's nuclear threats, and leveraging South Korea’s shipbuilding industry to demonstrate strategic value.
- Experts advise Lee to act swiftly and present clear reasons why South Korea is indispensable, as 28,500 US troops remain stationed there and Trump may pursue troop withdrawal or adjusted deals.
- Lee pledges to unify the nation, maintain the US alliance, respond firmly to nuclear threats, and improve ties with China, but political skepticism and pending legal trials may limit his effectiveness.
18 Articles
18 Articles
With a large investment program Lee Jae-myung wants to support the weakening economy. The stock market responds with ease. But his most pressing challenge is Donald Trump.
South Korea’s new president Lee Jae-myung vows economic revival, judgment on martial law
South Korea's new liberal President Lee Jae-myung began his term on Wednesday, vowing to raise the country from the turmoil of a martial law crisis and revive an economy reeling from slowing growth and the threat of global protectionism.
He survived an assassination attempt. Now South Korea’s new president must heal divisions and tread cautiously with Trump
By Jessie Yeung, Yoonjung Seo and Gawon Bae, CNN Seoul, South Korea (CNN) — At age 14 he was an impoverished factory worker. On Wednesday, he became the leader of one of Asia’s most powerful economies, a US ally and cultural juggernaut. But after sweeping to a decisive victory over conservative rival Kim Moon-soo on Tuesday, Lee Jae-myung faces a daunting task. South Korea remains deeply divided, Lee’s predecessor having declared martial law in …
He survived an assassination attempt. Now South Korea’s new president has to lead a divided nation and tread cautiously with Trump
At age 14 he was an impoverished factory worker. On Wednesday, he became the leader of one of Asia’s most powerful economies, a US ally and cultural juggernaut.
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