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Lee Jae-myung

Lee Jae-myung is a South Korean politician and lawyer who has served as president of South Korea since 2025.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lee Jae-myung is a South Korean politician and lawyer who has served as president of South Korea since 2025. He is a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and previously served as mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province. Public profiles describe him as a prominent and often polarizing figure in South Korean politics.

Early life and education

Lee Jae-myung was born in Andong, South Korea, in December 1963. Some sources describe his early life as marked by poverty and factory work before he became a lawyer.

Political career

He entered elected politics after working as a lawyer and later became mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province. He went on to lead the Democratic Party and serve in the National Assembly.

Presidency

Lee won South Korea's 2025 snap presidential election and assumed office on 4 June 2025. His victory followed the political crisis that led to the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Public image

Lee is widely seen as an influential but divisive politician. Reporting has noted his humble origins, combative style, and prominence in South Korea's party politics.

Key facts

  • Lee Jae-myung became president of South Korea in 2025 after winning the snap presidential election.
  • He is affiliated with the left-leaning Democratic Party of Korea.
  • He previously served as governor of Gyeonggi Province from 2018 to 2021.
  • He was mayor of Seongnam from 2010 to 2018.
  • Media coverage has described him as a polarizing political figure in South Korea.
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Canadian context

South Korean politics affects Canadian readers through trade, security, and diplomacy, and Lee Jae-myung’s presidency is relevant to Canada–South Korea relations within the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Lee Jae-myung?
He is a South Korean politician and lawyer who has served as president of South Korea since 2025.
What political party does he belong to?
He is a member of the Democratic Party of Korea.
What offices did Lee Jae-myung hold before becoming president?
He was mayor of Seongnam, governor of Gyeonggi Province, and later a member of the National Assembly.
When did he become president?
He took office on 4 June 2025 after winning the 2025 presidential election.
Where was Lee Jae-myung born?
He was born in Andong, South Korea.
Why is he considered a notable political figure?
He rose from a difficult early life to national leadership and has been a central figure in South Korean opposition politics.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lee-Jae-Myung
    Supports: Biography, political affiliation, presidency, and prior offices
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gepwxzeqgo
    Supports: Background on his rise, election victory, and public profile
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67860330
    Supports: His role as opposition leader and 2022 presidential run
  4. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/04/asia/lee-jae-myung-profile-south-korea-intl-hnk
    Supports: Early-life background and political ascent
  5. Al Jazeera — https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/3/who-is-lee-jae-myung-south-koreas-new-president
    Supports: 2025 election victory and political profile
  6. Korea Who — https://www.koreawho.com/profile/LeeJaemyung
    Supports: Date of birth, presidency, and election context