Who Is Lee Jae -Myung, The New South Korean President?

Lee Jae-myung the newly inaugurated 14th President of South Korea, is a politician and lawyer who previously held office as the sixth governor of Gyeonggi Province from 2018 to 2021, as the leader of the Democratic Party and as the member of the National Assembly for Gyeyang B from 2022 to 2025.

He was born to a poor family in Andong on the 8th of December in 1963.

Lee became a factory worker after primary school and sustained a severe arm injury in a factory accident, resulting in a lifelong disability. He earned middle and high school equivalency diplomas and studied at Chung-Ang University, earning his law degree in 1986.

He became a human rights lawyer, advocating for labor rights and social justice and as a human rights and labour lawyer, Lee organized with Minbyun and advocated for opening a new hospital in Seongnam.

Family & Early Life

Lee Jae-myung is the fifth of seven children and grew up in a humble household. Due to his family’s financial struggles, he often missed out on social activities and depended on his school’s generosity to attend field trips and other extracurricular programs.

He fondly recalls fishing along the creek with friends as one of his favorite pastimes. His first-grade report card described him as quite stubborn, with average grades, but noted that he got along well with his classmates.

When Lee graduated from elementary school, public education in South Korea was no longer free, making it difficult for poor families like his to continue schooling. His father spent much of the family’s income on gambling, prompting the family to leave Andong in search of work.

Work & Struggles

Like many children from underprivileged backgrounds in Korea, Lee began working at a young age instead of attending middle school. He found employment in a handmade necklace factory. After the factory went bankrupt, he moved on to work at a rubber company called Dongma. At the time, he was underage and worked under various pseudonyms to avoid legal issues.

Tragically, he suffered a finger injury at Dongma, and later another serious injury at Daeyang Industry, this time on his wrist joint. The latter injury was never properly treated and led to a permanent disability in his arm. This ultimately exempted him from military service and resulted in his registration as a disabled person.

Education & Career

Despite these hardships, Lee’s determination shone through. He performed exceptionally well in his entrance exams and was admitted to Chung-Ang University on a scholarship. There, he pursued a legal education and went on to pass the bar exam, launching a career as a human rights and labor lawyer.

Frustrated by the limitations of effecting change solely through legal advocacy, Lee shifted his focus to politics.

His political journey began as the Mayor of Seongnam (2010–2018), followed by his tenure as the Governor of Gyeonggi Province (2018–2021)

He reached the peak of his political ambitions
when he became the 14th President of South Korea on June 4, 2025.

Public And World Leaders Reactions

President Lee’s victory follows the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who had declared martial law in December 2024.

His election is seen by many as a restoration of democratic norms and his promises to address economic inequality and pursue diplomacy have resonated with a significant portion of the electorate.

X user, Hikari tweeted: “Lee Jae Myung was stabbed in the neck while holding press conference and last December he climbed into the parliament hall just to vote to end the martial law. Yeah he deserves to win President.”

The prime minister of India Narendra Mondi also wished the president congratulations on X saying: “Congratulations to Mr Lee Jae-Myung on being elected as the President of the Republic of Korea. Look forward to working together to further expand and strengthen the India-ROK Special Strategic Partnership.”

President Lee Jae-myung’s rise from factory worker to president reflects a life shaped by hardship, resilience, and public service. His leadership marks a return to democratic stability in South Korea, and his story continues to inspire both hope and scrutiny at home and abroad.


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