New South Korean President Moon Jae-in took the oath of office in a simple ceremony in the capital Seoul on Wednesday, hours after his term began.

Moon, head of the liberal Democratic Party, won a decisive victory in Tuesday's election. He won 41.1 percent of the vote, well ahead of conservative Hong Joon-Pyo's 24 percent and centrist Ahn Cheol-Soo's 21.4 percent. His appointment filled a power vacuum left his predecessor Park Geun-hye's dismissal in March over a corruption scandal.

Moon said he was prepared to visit North Korea and would negotiate with China and the US over the controversial THAAD anti-missile defense system soon after he was sworn in.

"If needed I will fly to Washington immediately," said Moon - who backs engagement with North Korea. "I will also go to Beijing and Tokyo and even Pyongyang in the right circumstances."

Chinese congratulations amid tension

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Moon Jae-in.

"I always attach great importance to South Korea and China-ROK (Republic of Korea) relations," Xi told Moon, according to China's official Xinhua news agency.

"China is willing to work with South Korea to maintain the hard-earned outcome of China-ROK relations.

"On the basis of mutual understanding and mutual respect, China will consolidate political mutual trust, properly handle differences, strengthen coordination and cooperation, and promote healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.

"I would like to work with you to make the development of China-ROK relations benefit the two countries and the two peoples."

Seoul's deployment of the US THAAD missile system had led to relations between Beijing and Seoul dropping to their lowest point since they established diplomatic relations in 1992.

The system ostensibly was meant to protect against North Korean missiles, but Beijing said its powerful imaging impinged on Chinese territory.

The US THAAD missile defense system has led to a rift between South Korea and China

Japan to mend ties

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said late Tuesday he would seek to build ties with Moon, after relations between the two relations soured over the memory of Japan's so-called "comfort women."

"Japan and South Korea face common challenges in East Asia, including the issue of North Korea. I believe our cooperation can further contribute to the peace and prosperity in the region," Abe said in a statement.

"South Korea is the most important neighbor with which Japan shares strategic interests. I look forward to working with incoming President Moon Jae In from now on."

South Korea votes amid regional and domestic turmoil The frontrunner Moon Jae-in from the left-leaning Minjoo party is a heavy favorite to win the presidency. The 64-year-old politician wants to negotiate with the North, improve relations with China and reassess the US deployment of the controversial THAAD missile defense system.

South Korea votes amid regional and domestic turmoil Not a regular election cycle On March 10, the South Korean Constitutional Court decided to impeach President Park Geun-hye. She is the first democratically elected South Korean head of state to be dismissed before the end of the legislative period. The new elections have been moved up to May 9.

South Korea votes amid regional and domestic turmoil Support for the former president A few fanatic supporters of former President Park Geun-hye are still camped out in front of Seoul city hall. Park is currently in custody and her followers say they suspect a "communist conspiracy."

South Korea votes amid regional and domestic turmoil US missile defense system Operational as of last week, the THAAD missile defense system has turned into a hotly debated issue among S. Korean voters. US President Donald Trump recently threatened to impose the $1 billion cost of the system on South Korea and according to surveys, the majority of South Koreans are against its deployment.

South Korea votes amid regional and domestic turmoil Chinese sanctions Both China and Russia consider the US missile defense system as a threat and South Korea is already dealing with economic sanctions from China as a result. Beijing has forbidden Chinese citizens from booking group trips to South Korea and this is having a negative effect on tourist areas.

South Korea votes amid regional and domestic turmoil A lackluster campaign Ahn Cheol-soo, a former businessman and inventor of a successful antivirus software system, is expected to win votes from the political center along with moderate conservatives. However, his debate performances were lackluster and his rhetoric was not convincing. He is also widely regarded as lacking a vibrant personality.

South Korea votes amid regional and domestic turmoil South Korea's 'Trump' The most-popular conservative candidate, Hong Joon-pyo, has provided a measure of controversy to the election. Hong has been called the "Korean Trump" because of his continued violations of "political correctness" and frequent misogynistic statements.

South Korea votes amid regional and domestic turmoil The only woman in the race Sim Sang-jeong is the only woman in the race and is considered to be a favorite among younger voters. She was able to deliver a clear stance during the TV debates, including on many issues that are controversial. For example, she was the only candidate who spoke up against discrimination of sexual minorities. However, for many Koreans this former union leader is too left-leaning.

South Korea votes amid regional and domestic turmoil Election songs Campaign helpers dance to these songs on tiny stages built onto trucks to promote their candidate. The most obscure is from a candidate from the former governing party, Saenuri. It resembles a children's song and praises ex-president Park Geun-hye, who was thrown out of office on corruption charges. Author: Fabian Kretschmer (wr)



Further appointments

Moon was expected to later announce his nominee for prime minister, which would need the approval of lawmakers, and also his presidential chief of staff.

Moon is a former pro-democracy activist and special forces soldier. He was once jailed for leading student protests and was later chief of staff to president Roh Moo-Hyun, who committed suicide in 2009 following allegations of graft.

Moon advocated for dialogue and reconciliation with the North during campaigning and was ambivalent about the missile system.