South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung takes office
South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung talks to attendees during the conclusion of his inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly in Seoul on June 4, 2025. ANTHONY WALLACE/Pool via REUTERS
South Korea has elected liberal Lee Jae-myung as president to lead the country through a tumultuous period that will require negotiating trade tariffs with the U.S. and mending the scars from his ousted predecessor's shock martial law declaration.
Following are some reactions to his victory:
MARCO RUBIO, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE
"We congratulate President Lee Jae-myung on his election as the next president of the Republic of Korea (ROK)."
"The United States and the Republic of Korea share an ironclad commitment to the Alliance grounded in our Mutual Defence Treaty, shared values, and deep economic ties. We are also modernising the Alliance to meet the demands of today's strategic environment and address new economic challenges."
"We will also continue to deepen U.S.-Japan-ROK trilateral cooperation to bolster regional security, enhance economic resilience, and defend our shared democratic principles."
SHIGERU ISHIBA, PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN
"Japan and South Korea are important neighbours that should cooperate as partners on various international issues,"
"The importance of Japan-South Korea relations remains unchanged under the current strategic environment. The cooperation among Japan, South Korea and the United States is also important."
Ishiba also told reporters that the two countries should hold a bilateral summit as soon as possible.
ANTONIO COSTA, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL
"Looking forward to deepening our strategic partnership as key allies in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. We share a commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and we highly value South Korea's global role." REUTERS
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