Lee Jae-myung’s Journey to the Presidency
South Korea’s new president, 61-year-old Lee Jae-myung, has defied expectations. Three years after a razor-thin defeat in 2022, he’s gone from a factory worker to a human rights lawyer, mayor, governor, and now the nation’s commander-in-chief.
Humble Beginnings
Born into poverty, Lee left school early to support his family on the factory floor. An industrial accident left him with a disabling elbow injury—but also fueled his drive. Winning a scholarship, he passed South Korea’s famously tough bar exam and launched a career defending labor and human rights.
Champion of the Working Class
Lee’s legal work shaped his combative populist style, channeling working-class frustrations. As mayor of Seongnam (2010–2018), he shut down the country’s largest dog meat market, affecting 80,000 canines a year. He then governed Gyeonggi Province (2018–2021), the most populous region around Seoul.
Crisis and Comeback
Lee rose to national prominence during one of South Korea’s most turbulent chapters. In December 2024, when martial law was declared, Lee—then Democratic Party chair—climbed a fence to enter parliament and lead the charge to overturn the decree. By April 2025, the president was impeached, and Lee emerged as a symbol of civilian rule.
Facing Legal Clouds
Despite his victory, Lee faces five criminal trials, from alleged real estate corruption to election-law breaches. He denies any wrongdoing, calling the cases politically motivated. Under South Korean law, his presidential immunity delays prosecutions until after his term ends in 2030.
A Vision for Tomorrow
With a rare parliamentary majority, Lee plans major investments in artificial intelligence, aiming to rank South Korea among the top three global players. He’s vowed to prosecute those behind the martial law attempt and tackle the cost-of-living crunch hitting middle- and low-income families. He also faces a looming White House deadline to negotiate import duties, adding another test to his first months in office. Now, the world watches whether he can deliver on his bold agenda without deepening political divides.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
