LRT station incident: Based on CCTV footage, the Transport Minister posits the Taiwanese national's fall at the Puchong LRT station was unintentional; police are now taking over the investigation.
New and Improved: Lee Jae-myung Takes the Helm
South Korea's fresh new President Lee Jae-myung dived into the deep end on Wednesday, taking office and vowing to mend fences with the nuclear-armed North. Wounds would be healed, peace established, and prosperity achieved, Lee promised, as he stepped into the role following his decisive election victory over conservative Kim Moon-soo.
Lee's win was a thumping one, securing 49.4% of the vote compared to Kim's 41.2%. The conservative Kim, hobbled by infighting and a divided right-wing vote, conceded defeat shortly after the vote tally was certified.
But the new President isn't just focusing on healing old wounds. He's also cautiously eyeing the stormy global trade winds stirred by US President Donald Trump. Lee's keenly aware that rising protectionism and supply chain restructuring pose a grave threat to Asia's export-dependent fourth-largest economy, South Korea.
As soon as he took office, Lee spoke to South Korea's top military commander and formally assumed control of the country's armed forces. Making his first comments, he emphasized the need for military readiness in the face of potential provocation from Pyongyang, but also signaled his readiness to talk.
"The world is shifting rapidly, and we must adapt," Lee said. "We won't back down from answering the call for peace, but we'll also stand our ground and defend our nation."
Lee's thoughts on North Korea are striking a "significant departure" from his hawkish predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol, according to Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification. Instead of conditional dialogue, Lee's approach suggests a willingness to resolve disagreements through constructive talks.
Lee's inauguration was a far cry from the spectacle of regular elections. The simple ceremony at the National Assembly marked a stark contrast with the large outdoor events that typically attract tens of thousands. A handful of guests gathered to witness history, with more congratulatory phone calls from world leaders expected later.
Expect Lee's term to be action-packed, starting with naming key cabinet members, including the presidential chief of staff, prime minister, and the director of the National Intelligence Service. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered his congratulations and expressed hope for collaboration with the new President, who has in the past sought more autonomy from the US.
Balancing diplomatic engagement with strategic pragmatism, Lee's approach to North Korea focuses on building peace while addressing the escalating security challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear ambitions. His aim is to stabilize relations with North Korea, hopefully leading to renewed diplomatic efforts and reducing tensions in the short term. But, as the world turns, Lee won't shy away from standing up for his nation's interests in the face of evolving global challenges.
- Lee Jae-myung, South Korea's new President, is aware of the potential threat rising protectionism and supply chain restructuring pose to South Korea's export-dependent economy, a key aspect of his policy-and-legislation.
- In the realm of politics, Lee's thoughts on North Korea are considered a significant departure from his hawkish predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol, signaling a willingness to resolve disagreements through constructive talks, not just conditionally.
- In the midst of global news and ever-changing diplomatic relations, Lee's approach to domestic law and parliamentary proceedings includes naming key cabinet members, such as the presidential chief of staff, prime minister, and the director of the National Intelligence Service.
- Representing general-news, world leaders and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have expressed hope for collaboration with Lee, as his term is expected to be action-packed, starting with the appointment of key figures in policy-and-legislation.
