Lee's tenure as the country's 21st president already began when he was briefed about military readiness, following the National Election Committee's formal approval of his victory at the previous day's presidential election.
He began the day by leaving his home in Gyeyang, Incheon, with First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, making a stop at the Seoul National Cemetery before heading to the National Assembly in Yeouido for the ceremony.
As the June 3 snap election was held to replace former disgraced President Yoon Suk Yeol after the Constitutional Court of Korea's ruling in April to impeach him over his botched martial law debacle late last year, Lee had no time to spare for a full transition period.
In his inauguration ceremony attended by around 300 lawmakers and other key leaders, Lee pledged to prioritize "national unity" and economic recovery as key agendas of his single five-year term.
"No matter whom you voted for in the election, I will serve as a president for all, embracing and serving every citizen," Lee said. He also vowed to "revitalize the economy and revive democratic priciples and values."
But he faces a tough road ahead amid the worst political and economic crises in the wake of Yoon's Dec. 3 declaration of martial law and the global trade war sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff policies.
Starting his first day in office at Yongsan, Lee nominated Kim Min-seok, an activist-turned-politician who led his election campaign, as prime minister, and appointed Kang Hoon-sik, a three-term DP lawmaker, as presidential chief of staff. Wi Sung-lac, the former envoy to Russia, was nominated as national security adviser, while Lee Jong-seok, the former minister of unification, was appointed to lead the National Intelligence Service.
Further appointments to key posts are expected in the coming days.
Later in the day, Lee is expected to talk with foreign dignitaries and other leaders including Trump.
Meanwhile, Lee intends to temporarily use the presidential office in Yongsan while Cheong Wa Dae undergoes renovation, as the historic compound was somewhat damaged and littered during its public opening over the past three years. During his campaign, Lee said he would eventually move the office to the administrative city of Sejong in South Chungcheong Province, which he considers more suitable since it is home to many government agencies and state-run institutions.
To mark Constitution Day on July 17, Lee also plans to hold an additional ceremony next month to reaffirm his commitment to upholding the Constitution.
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