Yoon Suk-yeol Sworn In As South Korea's New President

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    Image copyright: Associated Press [via South China Morning Post]

    The Facts

    • Yoon Suk-yeol took office on Tues. as South Korea's new president. The conservative leader won by a razor-thin margin over his liberal opponent Lee Jae-myung.

    • He promised in his inaugural speech to address the country's economic and social crisis by promoting "liberal democracy" and "science, technology and innovation."

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    The Spin

    Establishment-critical narrative

    Yoon Suk-yeol is a divisive populist with dangerous similarities to Donald Trump. Like Trump, he's a political novice who favors divisive rhetoric instead of offering solutions to people's real problems. This doesn't bode well for the future of South Korea's domestic and foreign policy.

    Korea Herald

    Pro-establishment narrative

    This is good news for freedom and democracy. South Korea will strengthen its role as a reliable partner for a values-based and liberal order alongside the US, even if Pres. Yoon Suk-yeol will have to adapt to changing geopolitical realities.

    The Diplomat

    Establishment split

    CRITICAL

    PRO

    More neutral establishment stance articles