Moon Jae-in: South Korea’s new leader to be sworn in

Seoul : The newly elected president of South Korea, Moon Jae-in, is due to be sworn in after a decisive election victory.

The 64-year-old human rights lawyer, known for his liberal views, has vowed to unify a divided country.

South Korea is still reeling from a corruption scandal which saw his predecessor impeached.

Mr Moon has also promised to shore up a fragile economy, and wants to increase contact with North Korea, in a departure from current policy

He officially began his term early on Wednesday morning after South Korea’s election commission confirmed his win, filling a leadership vacuum in the wake of Park Geun-hye’s impeachment.

Local media said he had already spoken with the military chief on domestic security and North Korea developments.

Mr Moon will be sworn in as South Korea’s 19th president at a midday (03:00 GMT) ceremony at the National Assembly building.