Overview

• Lee Jae-myung, the leading candidate in South Korea’s June presidential election, has been included in Time magazine's 2025 list of the 100 most influential people.
• Time’s profile emphasized Lee’s challenging early life, including severe injuries from underage factory work, and his resilience through political setbacks and personal attacks.
• Lee played a decisive role in the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office by the Constitutional Court after declaring martial law in December.
• Recent polling shows Lee leading the presidential race with nearly 49% public support, positioning him as the clear favorite to win.
• If elected, Lee faces significant challenges, including managing heightened tensions with North Korea and navigating an escalating trade conflict.