Sworn in as South Korea's 18th president, the first female head of state.
On February 25, 2013, Park Geun-hye was inaugurated as the 18th president of South Korea, marking another first as the nation's and Northeast Asia's first female head of state. Her inauguration ceremony was a symbolic victory in the gender equality movement, showcasing progress in a traditionally patriarchal society. Park's presidency was anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the political and cultural dynamics of not only South Korea but the region as a whole, promoting further empowerment for women across Asia.