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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Justin McCurry in Tokyo

Lee Jae-myung: from child labourer to leader of deeply scarred South Korea

Lee Jae-myung’s supporters celebrate with pictures of him
Lee Jae-myung’s supporters celebrate outside the national assembly on 3 June. Photograph: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

Lee Jae-myung will need to draw on his considerable survival instincts as he attempts to steer South Korea out of the political morass of the past six months.

The liberal candidate, who on Tuesday became the country’s president at the third attempt after defeating his conservative rival, Kim Moon-soo, has promised to govern for all South Koreans – and for good reason. After a swift transfer of power that see him take office on Wednesday, Lee will inherit a deeply scarred country.

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