Lee Jae-myung: South Korea's New President and Key Political Leader
South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung, is a prominent politician known for his progressive policies and leadership within the Democratic Party.
Lee Jae-myung has secured the presidency in South Korea, completing a dramatic political comeback just three years after a narrow loss in the 2022 election. At 61 years old, Lee’s victory underscores a shift in the nation’s political landscape, as voters again endorse a leader whose journey has defied traditional expectations.
His ascent to the Blue House is rooted in a story that starkly contrasts with the nation’s typical political elite. Raised in poverty and compelled to work in factories as a child, Lee endured a serious workplace injury that left him with a lifelong disability. These experiences became foundational as he pursued legal studies on scholarship, passed the challenging bar exam, and started his career as a labor and human rights lawyer. It was this commitment to advocacy that laid the groundwork for his populist platform and reputation as a fierce defender of South Korea’s working class.
Lee’s track record in public service includes two terms as mayor of Seongnam, where he garnered national attention by shutting down the country's largest dog meat market—an act emblematic of his willingness to challenge the status quo. Later, as governor of Gyeonggi Province, the densely populated region surrounding Seoul, Lee built a profile as an administrator focused on welfare expansion and economic reform.
Despite—or perhaps because of—his outsider credentials, Lee has remained a controversial figure. His critics accuse him of abrasive rhetoric and opportunistic populism, particularly when national tensions run high. Even so, his confrontational style has appealed to many who feel left behind by rapid economic and social transformation.
The context of Lee’s election is one of remarkable upheaval. Following the declaration of martial law by former President Yoon Suk-yeol in late 2024, Lee, then head of the Democratic Party, became a symbol of civil resistance by physically leading efforts to overturn the decree in the National Assembly. The successful impeachment of Yoon and the restoration of civilian government catapulted Lee to new heights in public prominence and established him as a key figure in South Korea’s democratic resilience.
Yet, Lee begins his term facing significant legal headwinds. He is currently subject to five separate criminal cases, the most serious involving corruption allegations linked to real estate developments and alleged election law violations. Lee has consistently denied wrongdoing, labeling the prosecutions as politically motivated. With his recent retrial delayed until after the election and presidential immunity shielding him from most charges, any legal reckoning will likely be postponed until his term expires in 2030.
This legal uncertainty has not gone unnoticed by Lee’s opponents, who question his fitness for office. Despite these challenges, Lee assumes power with a rare parliamentary majority, representing the first time in years that South Korean progressives will control both the executive and legislative branches. This majority gives Lee a powerful mandate but also brings the risk of deepening political divisions if not managed carefully.
Looking ahead, Lee has pledged sweeping investments in artificial intelligence, envisioning South Korea as a top-three player in the emerging sector. He has also promised accountability for those involved in the previous administration’s martial law attempt, vowing to pursue justice for what he has called “insurrection elements.” However, observers note that his long-term success will depend on bridging divides and responding to the country’s pressing economic challenges—especially cost-of-living issues and small business struggles.
Additionally, Lee faces immediate diplomatic pressures, including a looming negotiation deadline with the United States over import duties. On his first day in office, Lee has signaled a focus on restoring economic stability and delivering tangible benefits for ordinary citizens, setting the tone for what promises to be a pivotal presidency in South Korea’s modern history.
