Overview

• President Lee’s People’s Appointment Ceremony at Gwanghwamun Square formally marked his belated inauguration with around 3,500 citizens and 80 representative figures presenting letters of mandate.
• Authorities deployed approximately 6,500 police officers, including 102 SWAT units, and imposed traffic restrictions after about 70 rallies were registered in the vicinity.
• In his evening remarks, Lee affirmed respect for North Korea’s current system, rejected unification by absorption and pledged proactive steps to restore the suspended 2018 inter-Korean military pact.
• The 80th Liberation Day morning ceremony at the Sejong Center featured cultural performances, flag displays and the presentation of Independence Merit Awards to 311 descendants of activists.
• Key opposition forces, including the People Power Party and New Reform Party, declined to attend the inauguration, underscoring deep partisan splits over the event’s timing and legitimacy.