Lee Jae Myung ascended to the presidency of South Korea in 2025, marking the culmination of a political trajectory that began with civic activism and local governance. His path to the Blue House involved navigating diverse legislative roles and overcoming significant personal and legal challenges throughout a career defined by his advocacy for the underprivileged.
Early Development and Labor
Born in 1963 in Andong, Lee grew up in poverty, eventually relocating to the industrial city of Seongnam. He bypassed middle school to work in manufacturing, where multiple accidents resulted in a permanent arm disability. After pursuing education through equivalency exams, he earned a law degree from Chung-Ang University in 1986. His experiences in the labor force formed the basis for his political philosophy of supporting society's weakest members.
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Lee entered the Judicial Research and Training Institute following his graduation. Influenced by Roh Moo-hyun, he transitioned from an interest in judicial roles to practicing as a human rights and labor lawyer. He founded the Seongnam Citizens' Association and gained public attention during the Park View property investigation. His efforts to establish a municipal hospital in Seongnam, which involved collecting 200,000 signatures, eventually prompted his decision to shift from grassroots activism to formal politics.
Political Progression
Lee entered politics in 2005, initially facing electoral defeats. He secured the position of mayor of Seongnam in 2010, holding office until 2018. Subsequently, he served as the governor of Gyeonggi Province from 2018 to 2021. After an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2022, he entered the National Assembly, serving as a member from 2022 to 2025. This period included surviving an assassination attempt in January 2024 and navigating the political volatility of the martial law crisis.
Presidency and Recognition
Following the impeachment and removal of Yoon Suk Yeol, Lee secured the Democratic Party of Korea nomination for the 2025 presidential election. He defeated candidate Kim Moon-soo to become the 14th president of South Korea. His professional achievements and public service have been recognized through his inclusion in the Time 100 list in 2025 and the awarding of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, Andong
- Education: Chung-Ang University; Kyungwon University; Judicial Research and Training Institute
- Governor of Gyeonggi Province: 2018-2021
- Member of the National Assembly: 2022-2025
- President of South Korea: 2025-present
- Awards: Time 100 (2025); Grand Order of Mugunghwa
Questions readers ask
What is the basis of Lee Jae Myung's political philosophy?
He cites his personal experience with severe poverty as the foundation for his commitment to suppressing the strong and helping the weak.
What event brought international attention to Lee in 2024?
He drew significant attention by climbing over the National Assembly building fence and livestreaming during the martial law crisis.
