History of Lee Myung-bak

Lee Myung-bak, born on December 19, 1941, in Osaka, Japan, is a South Korean politician who served as the 10th president of South Korea from 2008 to 2013. His life and career have been marked by a remarkable ascent from humble beginnings to high political office, intertwined with significant controversy and legal challenges.

Lee's early life was defined by hardship and resilience. As a child born during the Japanese occupation of Korea, Lee's family struggled financially, and they returned to Korea after World War II. Growing up in post-war Korea, his family's financial struggles meant that he had to work various odd jobs while attending school. Despite these challenges, Lee's academic prowess was evident. He graduated from Korea University in 1965 with a degree in business administration. His education laid a strong foundation for his future career.

After university, Lee joined the Hyundai Group, one of South Korea’s largest conglomerates. Over the years, he climbed the corporate ladder, eventually becoming the CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction. Lee's leadership at Hyundai was seen as transformative; he played a crucial role in expanding its influence and operations internationally. His tenure at Hyundai cemented his reputation as a successful businessman and a savvy economic strategist.

Lee's transition from business to politics occurred in the early 1990s. Inspired by a vision for South Korea's development, he ran for office and was elected to the National Assembly in 1992. His experience in the corporate sector informed his political career, where he applied an economic-first approach to policy-making. During his time as a lawmaker, Lee focused on economic policies, infrastructure development, and urban planning. His political ascent continued as he became the mayor of Seoul in 2002, where he served until 2006. As mayor, Lee championed notable projects such as the Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project, an ambitious urban renewal effort that transformed a dilapidated stream into a vibrant public space. This project was emblematic of Lee's approach, combining economic revitalization with urban development.

Lee's political career reached its zenith when he ran for the presidency in 2007 as a candidate from the conservative Grand National Party (GNP), now known as the People Power Party. He campaigned on a platform of economic rejuvenation, promising to boost South Korea’s economy through large-scale infrastructure projects and business-friendly policies, encapsulated in his "MB Doctrine." His message resonated with voters, and he won the presidency in a landslide victory.

During his presidency, Lee implemented several key policies aimed at strengthening South Korea’s economic position. His administration prioritized free trade agreements, notably concluding a significant agreement with the United States. He also pushed for the development of green technology and renewable energy, branding his strategy as “Low Carbon, Green Growth.” Lee sought to leverage South Korea’s technological prowess to foster sustainable economic growth, positioning the country as a leader in green innovation.

However, Lee’s presidency was not without controversy. Domestically, his administration faced criticism over policies perceived to favor big businesses at the expense of smaller enterprises and workers. His decision to resume importing U.S. beef, suspended due to mad cow disease concerns, sparked widespread protests, leading to a significant public uproar. These events were reflective of the broader social tensions within South Korea regarding economic inequality and governance.

In foreign policy, Lee adopted a hardline stance against North Korea, breaking from the Sunshine Policy of his predecessors, which had advocated for engagement and dialogue. Lee’s administration insisted on a more reciprocal and conditional form of engagement, demanding concessions from the North in exchange for aid and cooperation. This approach led to increased tensions between the two Koreas, notably culminating in incidents such as the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island in 2010.

After leaving office in 2013, Lee’s legacy was further complicated by legal issues. In 2018, he was arrested and later convicted on charges of bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power, linked to his time in office and his ties with the business sector. Lee was accused of accepting millions of dollars in bribes from major corporations, including Samsung, in exchange for government pardons and policies favorable to them. He was sentenced to a lengthy prison term, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the former president. His case was part of a broader pattern of corruption scandals involving South Korean presidents, highlighting enduring issues of accountability and governance in the country’s political system.

In 2022, facing health issues and after appeals processes, Lee was granted a presidential pardon as part of a broader amnesty for political figures, an act that spurred public debate over justice and the role of pardons in South Korea's political culture.

In summary, Lee Myung-bak’s journey from a young boy in a struggling family to the president of South Korea is a testament to his determination and ambition. His tenure as president was marked by significant policy initiatives aimed at economic growth and modernization, although overshadowed by controversies and legal challenges. His story reflects both the aspirations and the ongoing challenges within South Korea’s political landscape.