Pres. Yoon Sworn In, Outlines 'Audacious' NK Denuclearisation Plan

Earlier today, Yoon Suk-yeol was sworn in as South Korea's new president. Hailing from the conservative People Power Party, Yoon narrowly defeated liberal Democratic Party of Korea candidate Lee Jae-myung in the March presidential election, and takes over from President Moon Jae-in following his single five-year term in office.

• In his inauguation address, Yoon outlined an 'audacious' plan of providing economic support to North Korea should Pyongyang make concrete steps towards denuclearisation. Yoon stated that "If North Korea genuinely embarks on a process to complete denuclearization, we are prepared to work with the international community to present an audacious plan that will vastly strengthen North Korea's economy and improve life for its people,"
• Conservative leaders in South Korea often coincide with heightened tensions with the North, with these presidents often brining in more hawkish policies. As such, Yoon's comments could signal something of a change in philosophy from the conservative camp, although it remains to be seen if the rhetoric will be followed by action.
• Yoon takes office with a Gallup poll approval rating of just 41%, the lowest for any incoming president in South Korea's democratic history. His decision to move the presidential office from the Blue House to another gov't building has been viewed by many Koreans as an unnecessary expense at a time of rising inflation for households.