Who is Lee Jae-myung? The Rising Star of South Korean Politics Named Among Time's Most Influential

Lee Jae-myung: A Political Force in South Korea

Washington: Lee Jae-myung, the leading candidate for the South Korean presidency, has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential individuals of 2025 by Time magazine, as reported on their website this Wednesday.

The publication highlighted Lee, a former leader of the Democratic Party, in the leaders' category, detailing the obstacles he faced throughout his early years and his ascent in politics, labeling him as the 'clear favorite' for the upcoming presidential election on June 3.

Charlie Campbell, the magazine's Editor at Large, shared insights into Lee's challenging upbringing, mentioning that he was the fifth of seven children in a farming household and had to walk a total of 10 miles daily to attend elementary school. Additionally, he suffered a severe wrist injury while working illegally in a factory at a young age.

Campbell emphasized that Lee's journey in politics has not been straightforward.

After serving as both a mayor and a governor, Lee faced defeat in the 2022 presidential election against Yoon Suk Yeol. His struggles continued when he was attacked and stabbed in the neck by an unstable critic two years later, as reported by Yonhap news agency. However, Lee's remarkable story appears to be on the verge of a significant turn as he aims for the presidency.

The editor noted that Lee played a crucial role in the impeachment of Yoon following the unexpected declaration of martial law in December. The Constitutional Court's decision to remove Yoon from office earlier this month has paved the way for the presidential election.

As the leader of the opposition in South Korea, Lee is currently the frontrunner in the election, although he will have to confront the challenges posed by a more aggressive North Korea and a growing trade conflict, according to Campbell.

Referencing a quote from a 2022 interview with Lee, Campbell remarked that given the hurdles Lee has already surmounted, he is unlikely to be intimidated.

Lee was quoted saying, 'There are many ways that you can learn about the world, but actually living it yourself, experiencing it, is a different thing.'

Recent polling indicates that Lee is leading the presidential race with nearly 49% support.