The Rise of President Lee Jae-myung : South Korea

 

From Humble Beginnings

Lee Jae-Myung was born in 1964 in a poor family in Andong, South Korea. He grew up in difficult conditions and had to work in factories as a teenager. Despite financial challenges, he studied law and passed the bar exam without attending a university. His life story became an example of overcoming hardship, and this helped him gain public attention.

President Lee Jae-Myung of South Korea

Starting in Local Politics

Lee entered politics as a human rights lawyer. In 2010, he became mayor of Seongnam, a city near Seoul. He was known for strong reforms and public service policies, such as providing free school uniforms and medical care for children. In 2018, he became governor of Gyeonggi Province, the most populated region in South Korea. There, he continued his reform-minded leadership, gaining national popularity through active social media use and direct communication with the public.

 

 

Presidential Campaign and Victory

Lee Jae-Myung ran for president as the candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea. He focused on fairness, economic reform, and expanding public welfare. His message appealed to many younger and working-class voters. In 2025, he won the presidential election, becoming South Korea’s 14th president. His victory came after a close and competitive race, showing a strong desire for political and economic change among the public.

Moving Forward

President Lee is now leading with goals to reduce inequality, promote innovation, and reform government institutions. His leadership style is direct and practical, shaped by his own experiences of hardship. As South Korea faces global challenges and domestic change, many are watching to see how President Lee will shape the country’s future.