The first female President of South Korea, Park Geun-hye, took office Monday. During the swearing-in ceremony, the new South Korean leader pledged that her government will do its utmost for the “coming of a new era for the hopes toward the people’s happiness and a bright future.”      

Also, Park Geun-hye condemned North Korea for conducting a nuclear test most recently, but at the same time noted that official Seoul stands ready to commence peace talks, RIA Novosti News Agency of Russia reports.     

To note, Park Geun-hye, 61, was elected South Korean president as a result of the election that was held on December 19, 2012. She received 51.7 percent of the votes, whereas her main challenger, Moon Jae-in of the opposing Democratic Party, garnered 47.9 percent in the voting.