Kim Dae-jung, once South Korea's leading dissident, became its president Wednesday, pledging to revive the nation's economy and end corrupt, authoritarian rule.
Under cloudless skies, Kim was sworn in before 45,000 people in a plaza in front of the National Assembly - the same place where he used to castigate the country's military dictators at opposition rallies.Then, he was persecuted. This time, he was honored by dancers and singers in flowing gowns, the release of 1,500 doves and a 21-gun salute.
Kim's political honeymoon will be short-lived. Hours after his inauguration, opponents blocked ratification of his choice for prime minister.
In its first action since taking power, Kim's minority governing party asked the National Assembly to ratify the nomination of Kim Jong-pil, a former government intelligence chief and now the president's coalition partner.
But the unicameral legislature couldn't even convene because the majority Grand National Party boycotted the session. The majority party represents the powerful business and political groups that have ruled South Korea for 50 years.
The fight over the nomination boded ill for the new president's ability to overcome vested interests and enact the political and economic reforms he has promised.