‘Peace always cheaper than war’: South Korea’s new leader Lee Jae-myung vows to pursue talks with North Korea

Just a day after being sworn in as South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung pledged on Wednesday to pursue dialogue with North Korea while maintaining strong military deterrence. In a powerful inaugural address delivered at the National Assembly's Rotunda Hall, Lee called for peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula, framing diplomacy as both a moral and strategic imperative.“No matter how costly, peace is still cheaper than war. It is better to win without fighting than to win through conflict, and the most reliable form of security is peace that requires no fight at all,” Lee said during the televised ceremony attended by around 300 guests.The newly elected leader, who secured a landslide victory, was thrust into office without a transition period following the impeachment of his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol.

Yoon had attempted, and failed, to impose martial law in December, leaving a political vacuum that Lee now fills without the typical time to assemble his team.Addressing lawmakers in a chamber where his party holds a commanding majority, Lee reiterated South Korea’s readiness to respond decisively to any military or nuclear provocations from Pyongyang. “Our defence budget equals North Korea’s entire GDP. We have the world’s fifth-largest military,” he said, signalling strength while underscoring his willingness to keep communication lines open.

In a shift from his predecessor’s hardline stance, Lee made no preconditions for talks with the North. Analysts say this represents a significant change in tone. “It signals his desire to resolve disagreements through talks,” said Hong Min, senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification. “It is notable that Lee has clearly indicated a different approach to North Korea.”Lee also emphasised the need for a robust alliance with the United States and strengthened trilateral cooperation with Japan, while cautioning against overreliance. “Cooperation with the United States and Japan is essential,” he said. “But we should not put all our eggs in one basket.”