South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae-myung, has a story that sounds more like a movie script than real life. He survived an assassination attempt, led the fight against a military crisis, and just won a historic election to become the country’s leader. His journey from a poor factory worker to the highest office in the land is full of ups and downs. But what does his rise to power really mean for South Korea? Here’s a closer look at his life, the challenges he faces, and what his presidency could bring.
From Poverty to Power: The Humble Beginnings
Lee Jae-myung was not born into a rich or famous family. He grew up in poverty, which forced him to work in factories as a teenager just to help his family survive. This tough start gave him a deep understanding of ordinary people’s struggles—something that has shaped his political beliefs. Over the years, he worked his way up, becoming a human rights lawyer and then a mayor before entering national politics. His story is about determination and never giving up, no matter how hard things get.
Surviving an Assassination Attempt
In January 2024, Lee Jae-myung was attacked while visiting a construction site in Busan. A man pretending to be a fan asked for an autograph, then suddenly stabbed Lee in the neck. The wound was very serious, and Lee had to be rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. Doctors said he was lucky to survive, as the knife came very close to a major artery. This shocking event reminded people of past attacks on South Korean leaders and raised new worries about the safety of politicians in the country.
The attack did not stop Lee. Instead, it made him even more determined to fight for what he believes in. He became a symbol of courage for many people, especially those who felt let down by the government.
Leading the Fight Against Martial Law
Just months after the assassination attempt, South Korea faced a big crisis. The previous president, Yoon Suk Yeol, tried to declare martial law in December 2024, which would have given the military more control over the country. Many people saw this as a dangerous move, reminding them of South Korea’s history with military dictatorships.
Lee Jae-myung was at the front of the protests against martial law. He even climbed over a fence at the National Assembly to make sure his vote against the martial law order was counted. His actions inspired thousands of people to join the protests, and soon, President Yoon was removed from office. This paved the way for new elections, where Lee became the favorite to win.
Winning the Presidency: A New Chapter for South Korea
In June 2025, Lee Jae-myung won the presidential election with nearly half of all votes. He promised to bring the country together after months of division and fear.
In his first speech as president, he said, “No matter who you supported during this election… I will be the leader for everyone”. He also said he wants to fix the economy and heal the people’s spirit.
Lee’s victory is a big change for South Korea. He is the first president in many years to take office after such a dramatic series of events. He does not have the usual time to prepare for the job, because the country needs leadership right away. This means he must start working immediately to solve the country’s problems.
The Challenges Ahead
Lee Jae-myung faces many challenges as president. The country is deeply divided after the martial law crisis, and people are worried about the economy, jobs, and safety. Lee has promised to invest in new technologies like artificial intelligence, help families with children, and make sure people have enough time off work. He also wants to improve relations with North Korea while keeping South Korea safe and working closely with the United States and other allies.
But not everyone agrees with Lee’s ideas. Some people think he is too quick to make big changes, while others worry about his past legal troubles. Still, most people hope he can bring the country together and make life better for everyone.
A New Kind of Leader?
Lee Jae-myung is not a typical politician. He is known for his strong personality and willingness to take risks. Some people call him a “progressive pragmatist,” meaning he tries to solve problems by doing what works, not just following old ideas. He is also seen as a survivor, both literally and politically, because he has overcome so many obstacles to get where he is today.
His story shows that anyone, no matter where they start in life, can rise to the top if they work hard and never give up. But being president is not just about surviving tough times—it’s about making the right choices for the country.
What Does This Mean for South Korea?
Lee Jae-myung’s presidency is a turning point for South Korea. He has a chance to heal the country’s divisions and bring people together after a very difficult year. His focus on the economy and ordinary people’s lives is important, especially when so many are struggling.
However, he will need to be careful and listen to all sides. South Korea is a country with strong opinions, and not everyone will agree with his decisions. His success will depend on how well he can unite the country and solve its problems without making the divisions worse.
Final Note
Lee Jae-myung’s story is one of survival, courage, and hope. He has overcome poverty, assassination attempts, and political crises to become South Korea’s new president. Now, he faces the biggest challenge of all: leading a divided country toward a better future. Whether he succeeds or not will depend on his ability to listen, learn, and lead with fairness and wisdom.
For now, the world is watching to see what happens next in South Korea—and whether Lee Jae-myung can truly be the leader that brings his country together again.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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