Moon sworn in as S. Korea's 19th president

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

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Thu, November 30, 2023 | 09:23

Politics

Moon sworn in as S. Korea's 19th president

Posted : 2017-05-10 14:37

Updated : 2017-05-10 14:43

National Assembly Speaker Chung Se-kyun (right) and President Moon Jae-in in a National Assembly meeting room before Moon's swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday. / Yonhap

By Ko Dong-hwan

President Moon Jae-in took the oath of office Wednesday, promising to realize national unity and cohesion following the removal of his predecessor for alleged corruption.

"I will become a president of all people," Moon said at his inauguration ceremony at the National Assembly. He said those who did not support him were also part of the nation.

"My head is full of a blueprint to open a new world of unity and coexistence," he said in an address to the nation. "I declare that I will fulfill my responsibilities and calling as the 19th president of the Republic of Korea with a fearful but humble heart before history and the people."

Moon is sworn in as the 19th President of South Korea at the National Assembly's Rotunda Hall on Wednesday. / Yonhap

Moon said he would move the presidential office to Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, as his first measure to break from an imperious and uncommunicative presidency, a move he previously promised.

"At times, I will hold large debates on Gwanghwamun Square," he said. "I will share the president's imperial powers as much as possible."

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He said he will appoint government officials from all regions based "only on ability and suitability, regardless of whether they support me or not." He also vowed to tackle North Korea's nuclear programs and resolve disputes over the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

Moon greets citizens as he passes Gukhoe-daero in Yeouido, Seoul, and heads to presidential office Cheong Wa Dae after the swearing-in ceremony at the National Assembly on Wednesday. / Yonhap

"If necessary, I will fly straight to Washington," he said. "I will go to Beijing and Tokyo and, under the right circumstances, go to Pyongyang as well.

Moon was inaugurated a day after being elected with 41.1 percent of the vote in a five-way race.

Moon's five-year term began earlier in the day after the National Election Commission confirmed his election.

aoshima11@ktimes.com