Lee Jae-myung
Lee Jae-myung (Democratic Party of Korea)
From factory floor to frontrunner
At 61, Lee Jae-myung is the candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and currently leads the polls in the 2025 presidential race. Raised in modest circumstances, he worked in factories during his youth, experienced a serious workplace injury, and later became a human rights lawyer after passing the bar exam. His political trajectory includes serving as Mayor of Seongnam, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, and leader of the DPK.
Lee is known for his direct communication style and policy focus on social welfare, which resonates with many working-class voters. After a narrow defeat in the 2022 presidential election, he returned to the National Assembly and is now making his third bid for the presidency.
Key points of his platform:
– Welfare Expansion: Advocates for universal basic income, free school uniforms, and city-funded healthcare initiatives.
– Housing & Economy: Supports stronger housing regulations and active government intervention in the economy.
– Justice & Reform: Promises to fight corruption and promote fairness — despite facing legal controversies himself.
– Security & Foreign Policy: Favors diplomacy and inter-Korean cooperation while maintaining the U.S.-Korea alliance.
– Resilience & Image: Survived a 2024 knife attack and ongoing court cases — presenting himself as a fighter for the people.