Liberal in Blue House

Lee’s Early Legal Career

• Lee gained local fame for defending laborers, tenants, and residents affected by urban redevelopment.

• His legal battles became the foundation of his political identity: anti-elitist, reformist, and unapologetically populist.

Lee’s Political Comeback

• In 2018, Lee became Governor of Gyeonggi Province, expanding housing welfare schemes and pushing for a pilot universal basic income programme.

• He faced mounting scrutiny due to legal investigations related to land development contracts and allegations of abuse of power.

Lee’s Political Comeback

• Lee first ran for the presidency in 2022, narrowly losing to conservative candidate Yoon Suk-yeol.

• The constitutional crisis in late 2024 led to a dramatic reversal in South Korea’s political history.

• A snap election was called in early 2025, with Lee presenting himself as both a victim of political injustice and a guarantor of constitutional restoration.

• With voter turnout exceeding 77%, Lee secured just under 50% of the vote, defeating conservative rival Kim Moon-soo.

Challenges for Lee

• He faces rising youth unemployment, housing woes, and stagnant wages.

• He pledges a “fair and inclusive” growth agenda focused on welfare, price relief, and support for small businesses.

• He maintains strong ties with the U.S. and pushes for renewed inter-Korean dialogue.