Lee Jae-myung’s inauguration speech was a sign of the diplomatic maneuvering he will need to pull off to navigate relations with China and the United States.

© Pool photo by Anthony Wallace

Lee Jae-myung’s inauguration speech was a sign of the diplomatic maneuvering he will need to pull off to navigate relations with China and the United States.

After months of political turmoil in South Korea, Lee Jae-myung has won the presidential election by a wide margin. Mr. Lee’s campaign has ridden a wave of anger against former President Yoon Suk Yeol after he tried to impose martial law in December.

Lee Jae-myung will be one of the most powerful presidents in decades in South Korea, but he is taking over during a perilous political atmosphere.

© Jun Michael Park for The New York Times

Facing a complex set of thorny challenges at home and abroad, Lee Jae-myung says he will deal with them with “pragmatism.”

© Jun Michael Park for The New York Times

Both of the main candidates support the alliance with the United States, but the front-runner favors diplomacy with North Korea and China to improve strained relations.