New South Korean President takes office

Yoon Suk Yeol took office as South Korea’s new president on Tuesday with a vow to pursue a negotiated settlement of North Korea's threatening nuclear program and an offer to improve Pyongyang’s economy if it abandons its nuclear weapons.

Yoon addressed South Korea’s growing economic problems, saying decaying job markets and a widening rich-poor gap are brewing a democratic crisis.  

He said he would spur economic growth to heal the deep political divide and income equalities. During his speech, Yoon didn’t mention Japan. His approval rating as a president-elect was 41%, according to a survey that put then President Moon's rating at 45%.