Moon Jae-in assumed the presidency of South Korea in 2017, following the impeachment and removal of Park Geun-hye. His political trajectory began in legal activism and moved through the inner circles of the Roh Moo-hyun administration, eventually leading to his own single term as head of state which concluded in May 2022.
Early Education and Military Service
Born on January 24, 1953, in Geoje, Moon was the son of North Korean refugees. He attended local schools before enrolling at Kyung Hee University to study law. His university years were marked by activism against the Yushin Constitution, which resulted in his arrest, imprisonment, and expulsion. Conscripted into the Republic of Korea Army, he served with the Special Warfare Command from 1975 to 1978, participating in operations at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. He later completed his law degree and passed the bar exam, though his political history prevented him from being appointed as a judge or prosecutor.
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Moon entered private practice and focused on human rights law, often collaborating with Roh Moo-hyun on labor rights cases. He served as Roh’s campaign manager during the 2002 presidential election and held various senior positions within the Roh administration between 2003 and 2008, including serving as Chief of Staff. Following his time in the executive branch, Moon transitioned to electoral politics, securing a seat in the National Assembly from 2012 to 2016.
The Presidency
During his term from 2017 to 2022, Moon prioritized the Sunshine Policy, aiming for peaceful reunification through diplomacy. He conducted three inter-Korean summits with Kim Jong Un in 2018 and participated in a trilateral meeting with Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. His domestic policies included labor reforms, such as raising the minimum wage and reducing the maximum workweek to 52 hours, alongside efforts to reform major conglomerates known as chaebols. He oversaw South Korea’s pandemic response and transferred power to his successor, Yoon Suk Yeol, in 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 January 1953, Geoje
- Military service: 1975-1978, Lance Corporal
- President of South Korea: 2017-2022
- Chief of Staff to the President: 2007-2008
- Education: Kyung Hee University
- Religion: Catholic Church
- Awards: Gold Olympic Order (2018), Time 100 (2018)
Questions readers ask
What was Moon Jae-in’s role before becoming president?
He was a human rights lawyer, served as Chief of Staff to President Roh Moo-hyun, and was a member of the National Assembly.
Did Moon Jae-in serve in the military?
Yes, he served as a Lance Corporal in the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command between 1975 and 1978.
