Lee Jae-myung: South Korea’s President – Profile
lee Jae-myung, south KoreaS new president, has emerged from humble beginnings to lead his nation. Born into poverty, Lee’s journey from factory worker to the presidency signals a shift in South Korea’s political landscape. His early life experiences shaped his progressive views, focusing on economic reforms and diplomatic engagement. This profile delves into Lee’s remarkable rise, examining his legal career, mayoral and gubernatorial tenures, and his narrow loss in the 2022 presidential election.Discover how his populist policies and direct communication style have propelled him to the forefront of South Korean politics as the key person. News Directory 3 provides this complete look. Explore the challenges Lee faces, including political division and international stability, and his vision for the future, focused on AI investment and improved relations with North Korea. Discover what’s next for South Korea under Lee’s leadership.
lee Jae-myung’s Rise: From Poverty too South Korean Presidency
Updated June 04, 2025
Lee Jae-myung’s ascent to the South Korean presidency marks a remarkable personal journey and a potential shift in the nation’s political landscape. Born into poverty in 1963, when South Korea’s economy lagged behind sub-Saharan Africa, lee overcame adversity to become a lawyer and, now, the country’s leader.
His early life included working in factories as a child, an experience he credits with shaping his progressive views.”Poverty is not a sin,” Lee said in 2022, “but I was always especially sensitive to the injustices I experienced because of poverty.” He added that his aim in politics is to help those still suffering by building a fair society.
Despite lacking formal education for years,Lee graduated from middle and high school and later studied law at Chung-Ang University in Seoul.He passed the bar exam in 1986 and became known for advocating for industrial accident victims and those facing eviction.
Lee’s political career began with unsuccessful mayoral and parliamentary bids. He finally won the Seongnam mayoral election in 2010 and later served as governor of Gyeonggi province from 2018 to 2021. As mayor and governor, he implemented populist economic policies, including a form of universal basic income.
After losing the 2022 presidential election by a narrow margin,Lee led the Democratic Party to a strong showing in subsequent parliamentary elections.Following Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment, Lee secured his party’s nomination for president.
Seoul on May 18,2025. [Chung Sung-Jun/Pool via Reuters]
Lee Myung-hee,a South Korean politics expert at Michigan State University,noted Lee’s direct communication style,saying,”His communication style is direct and straightforward,and he is astute at recognising social and political trends…However, this direct communication style can sometimes hinder his political advancement, as it may easily offend his opponents.”
During his campaign, Lee emphasized pragmatism and a milder version of his populist economic agenda. Polls consistently showed him leading his main competitor,Kim Moon-soo.
What’s next
As president,Lee aims to boost investment in artificial intelligence,introduce a four-and-a-half-day work week,and provide tax deductions for parents. He also seeks to improve relations with North Korea while maintaining the U.S.-Korea alliance. Yong-chool Ha, director of the Center for Korea Studies at the University of Washington, describes Lee as “a progressive pragmatist” and a “survivor.”