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

New president faces formidable challenges that could plunge his term into crisis before it has even begun

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 will take him to the presidential Blue House on Wednesday, Lee will inherit a deeply scarred country.