Seoul - Former human rights lawyer Moon Jae In was on Wednesday
sworn in as South Korea's new president, hours after the country's
election commission confirmed his victory in the polls.
Moon said he would "solve the current security challenges" and was
willing to visit Pyongyang under "the right conditions."
"I will do my best to bring peace on the Korean peninsula," he added.
He said he would fly straight to Washington if required and would
also go to Beijing and Tokyo.
Moon won 41 percent of the almost 33 million votes cast, the
National Election Commission said.
His inauguration ceremony was held at the National Assembly in Seoul
at midday.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in waves as he heads for the Presidential Blue House in Seoul. Picture:
Yonhap via REUTERS
"I will build a new nation. I will make a great Korea, a proud Korea.
And I will be the proud president of such a proud nation," Moon was
quoted as telling his supporters earlier.
Moon will be expected to deal with escalating tensions with
neighbouring North Korea, after US President Donald Trump threatened
to take unilateral action against the country for recent ballistic
missile and nuclear tests.
The White House congratulated Moon on his win in a statement.
"We look forward to working with President-elect Moon to continue to
strengthen the alliance between the United States and the Republic of
Korea and to deepen the enduring friendship and partnership between
our two countries," the statement said.
Tuesday's election was called after former president Park Geun Hye
was impeached and forced to leave office over a corruption scandal.