From Scandal to Frontrunner: How Lee Jae-myung Transformed Political Chaos into Presidential Ambition

In a stunning political turnaround, Lee Jae-myung has emerged as the leading candidate for South Korea’s presidency, fueled by a constitutional crisis that transformed his political landscape. On December 3, 2024, former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law declaration cleared Lee’s path despite his ongoing legal battles and allegations of corruption looming over him. At 61, Lee’s journey to the forefront of the Democratic Party is marked by a rags-to-riches story and a controversial political style, making him a polarizing figure in South Korean politics.

Born in 1963 into relative poverty, Lee faced numerous challenges early in life, including a severe industrial accident as a youth. Overcoming these hardships, he became a human rights lawyer before entering politics in 2005. His tenure as mayor of Seongnam and later as governor of Gyeonggi Province was characterized by reforms such as a universal basic income, which garnered both fervent support and intense criticism.

Lee’s political career has been riddled with controversies, including a 2004 drink-driving incident and allegations of extramarital affairs. More recently, he was involved in legal troubles stemming from a land development scandal and a conviction for making false statements during a televised debate.

A brutal assassination attempt in early 2024, resulting in a stab wound to his neck, underscored the political polarization in South Korea. In the wake of Yoon’s martial law attempt, Lee mobilized public dissent, leading to the president’s impeachment. Lee subsequently announced his candidacy for the upcoming elections scheduled for June 3, 2025.

As a widely discussed front-runner, Lee now faces the possibility of a conviction after the election, which could jeopardize his political future and candidateship. With a fragile political climate and the looming threat of legal troubles, Lee’s story is poised to unfold further as the elections approach.