Lee Jae-myung's inaugural remark: "Livelihoods and the economy first... I will become the president for all"

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized on the 4th, "It is time to rebuild the collapsed livelihoods and economy, and to restore the destroyed democracy," adding, "I will become the 'president for all,' who embraces and serves all citizens."

After taking the oath of office at 11 a.m. in the National Assembly Rotunda Hall, President Lee delivered his 'Message to the People,' stating, "I am Lee Jae-myung, the 21st President of the Republic of Korea whom you have elected," and made these remarks.

He continued, "I stand here with an immeasurably heavy sense of responsibility and immense gratitude," and added, "With the 52 million hopes and aspirations sent by our 52 million people, I take my first step today as the 21st President of the Republic of Korea toward a truly democratic republic."

He further stated, "The future is beckoning us," and stressed, "It is time to revive livelihoods on the edge, restore growth, and create a tomorrow where everyone can be happy."

He continued, "Now is the time to rebuild livelihoods and the economy destroyed by apathy, incompetence, irresponsibility, and to restore democracy shattered by armored vehicles and automatic rifles, to build bridges of coexistence, reconciliation, and solidarity over the hatred and confrontation that divided us, and to open wide a new era of national happiness overflowing with dreams and hope."

President Lee promised, "Regardless of who you supported in this election, I will become the 'president for all' in accordance with the other meaning of the call for grand unity."

He added, "The Republic of Korea is opening a new chapter in world democratic history, overcoming a military coup by the most powerful leader with bare cheering sticks," and explained, "People around the world are watching in awe this great journey and the tremendous capabilities of the Korean people. The multicolored revolution, K-Democracy, has become a clear model for all those seeking a path forward for democracy in crisis."

He also said, "We now stand at a turning point of major transformation," and elaborated, "The old order is receding, and a new one, a historic civilizational transition, is underway. While rescuing the weary lives of our people, restoring democracy and peace, reviving growth, and reestablishing our national dignity require unimaginable sweat, tears, and patience, I will move forward, guided by the will of the sovereign people, even if it means crossing steep mountains and braving thorny paths."

President Lee stated, "Restoring livelihoods and reviving the economy will be our starting point. With the mindset of waging an all-out battle against the recession, I will immediately launch the Emergency Economic Response TF," and declared, "The newly launched Democratic Party government, the Lee Jae-myung administration, will be a justly unified government, a flexible, pragmatic administration."

Oh Se-sung, Hankyung.com reporter sesung@hankyung.com