President Lee Jae-myung, official beginning of the 21st presidential term and future schedule

Start of Term

The term of President-elect Lee Jae-myung officially began at 6:15 AM on June 4, 2025, with the resolution of the Central Election Commission meeting. This is the result of an early presidential election due to the vacancy caused by the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-youl. According to constitutional provisions, the term begins immediately upon the confirmation of the president-elect in the event of a vacancy, and President Lee Jae-myung was granted the status of head of state legally and administratively from the moment the election commission determined his election.

Election Commission Resolution

The Central Election Commission held a full meeting at 6:15 AM at its office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to officially decide on the election of Lee Jae-myung, the candidate from the Democratic Party. Immediately after the decision, Na Tae-ack, the chairman of the Central Election Commission, concluded the meeting, and all powers and responsibilities were automatically transferred to President Lee Jae-myung. Accordingly, the constitutional presidential powers, including command of the armed forces, diplomatic rights, and the authority to appoint the Prime Minister, will also be applied immediately. This procedure was confirmed as a precedent in the presidential election following the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017.

Receipt of Certificate of Election

Typically, the presidential certificate of election is received in person by the candidate themselves. However, President Lee Jae-myung was unable to receive it directly due to preparations for his inauguration, and instead, it was received on his behalf by Park Chan-dae, a member of the Democratic Party. Park Chan-dae serves as the acting head of the Democratic Party and the floor leader, making him the de facto highest authority of the party, and he has a long experience as a three-term member of the National Assembly representing Incheon Yeonsu-gu. President Lee Jae-myung resigned from the party leader position to run for the presidency, after which Park took on the acting role.

Oath of Office

On June 4, 2025, at 11 AM, President Lee Jae-myung is scheduled to hold a simple inauguration ceremony at the Rotunda Hall of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Traditionally, presidential inaugurations are large-scale events however, considering the unique nature of the by-election and the simplification of protocols, this ceremony will take place indoors at the National Assembly with only a small number of attendees. Traditional procedures such as military honor guard inspections, cannon salutes, and military band performances will be omitted, and the main event will be the recitation of the oath of office in accordance with the Constitution.

First official schedule

After taking the oath of office, President Lee Jae-myung visits the National Seoul Hyeonchungwon located in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, to pay tribute to the fallen patriots and heroes of the nation. This marks his first official act as president, emphasizing his commitment to sacrifice and dedication for the country, marking the starting point of his governance. He will then move to the presidential office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to commence his duties and plans to have phone conversations with the leaders of major countries including the United States, Japan, and China.

Office Relocation Plan

President Lee Jae-myung is starting his work at the Yongsan Presidential Office, which was used during the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. However, this is a temporary measure, and he is considering a return to the traditional presidential office space once the renovations of the Blue House are completed. At the same time, it is reported that the relocation of the office to Sejong City, the administrative capital, is being reviewed as a medium- to long-term plan. This can be interpreted as a symbolic move for balanced national development and strengthening decentralization.

Policy Direction

President Lee Jae-myung activated the 'Emergency Economic Response Task Force' as soon as his term began, setting the recovery of people's livelihoods and economic stability as the top priority of his administration. In order to overcome complex economic crises such as high inflation, high-interest rates, and high exchange rates, he plans to establish a control tower early and prioritize policies that are felt by the public. This is being assessed as an essential response for stabilizing people's livelihoods and recovering the economy.