Yoon Suk-yeol: From Factory Worker to President
- South Korea's political landscape has shifted dramatically with Lee jae-myung's victory in Tuesday's presidential election.
- Lee, who lost to Yoon by a narrow margin in his previous presidential bid, framed his campaign around restoring democratic norms and creating a society with robust social...
Lee Jae-myung Secures South Korean Presidency Amidst Political Turmoil
Updated June 3, 2025
South Korea’s political landscape has shifted dramatically with Lee jae-myung’s victory in Tuesday’s presidential
election. Major television broadcasters called the race for the liberal candidate just before midnight. This
election followed the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who now faces trial for insurrection after
his declaration of martial law.
Lee, who lost to Yoon by a narrow margin in his previous presidential bid, framed his campaign around
restoring democratic norms and creating a society with robust social safety nets. His political identity is
deeply rooted in his personal experiences with poverty and hardship.
Born in December 1963, Lee’s early life was marked by economic struggle. His family settled in Seongnam, near
Seoul, in 1976, an area known