How political chaos helped forge South Korea's presidential frontrunner

Lee Jae-myung has risen to become the leading candidate for South Korea's presidency after a turbulent political crisis that reshaped the country's political landscape. Prior to December 3, 2024, Lee's path to the presidency was fraught with significant challenges, including ongoing legal investigations into corruption and allegations of power abuse. These issues threatened to derail his second attempt at the presidency. However, a dramatic constitutional crisis triggered by former president Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law changed the political dynamics entirely, clearing the way for Lee's rise. As the Democratic Party's candidate, Lee is now widely seen as the frontrunner for the June 3 election. Lee, aged 61, has faced a series of controversies throughout his career, including a conviction for making false statements during the 2022 presidential campaign. Despite these legal troubles, which continue to cast a shadow over his ambitions, Lee's political journey is marked by his outsider status and a reputation for challenging South Korea's established power structures. Born in 1963 in a poor mountain village, Lee's early life was difficult. He worked in factories from a young age, suffering serious injuries, but later pursued education vigorously, eventually becoming a lawyer. His background has made him a polarizing figure: admired by working-class voters for his rise from humble beginnings and his progressive policies, yet distrusted by some in the political elite. Lee's political style is bold and sometimes controversial. He has championed progressive reforms such as universal basic income, which challenge traditional norms. His tenure as mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province was marked by welfare initiatives and a strong response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including universal relief grants that put him at odds with the central government. Despite his achievements, Lee's career has been marred by scandals, including a drink-driving incident and allegations of personal misconduct. In South Korea's conservative political culture, such controversies have often damaged politicians' reputations. More recently, Lee has faced serious legal battles, including charges related to a land development project and accusations of making false statements during a televised debate. His conviction in November 2024 was later overturned by an appeals court, but the Supreme Court reinstated the charges, leaving his legal status uncertain. In January 2024, Lee survived an assassination attempt when he was stabbed in the neck. Since then, he has campaigned under heavy security measures, highlighting the intense political polarization in South Korea. The crisis escalated when former president Yoon declared martial law in December 2024, aiming to suppress opposition forces. Lee responded by mobilizing public protests and leading efforts to overturn the declaration, actions that boosted his political standing. The Democratic Party's decision to impeach Yoon was upheld by the Constitutional Court in April 2025, effectively ending Yoon's presidency and weakening his party. Lee resigned as party leader to focus on his presidential campaign and was overwhelmingly chosen as the Democratic Party's candidate. The political turmoil has left South Korea deeply divided, but Lee has emerged as a key figure capable of navigating the crisis. His future depends not only on the voters but also on the outcome of his ongoing legal cases. If convicted, he could lose his seat in the National Assembly and be barred from running for president for five years. However, the courts have allowed him to delay hearings until after the election, raising the possibility that he could win the presidency before any final verdict. South Korea's political drama is far from over, but Lee Jae-myung stands at the center of this historic moment, poised to shape the nation's future.