Lee Myung-bak

Lee Myung-bak
대한민국 국가기록원 (National Archives of Korea) · KOGL Type 1 · source
Name	Lee Myung-bak
Native name	이명박
Caption	Lee Myung-bak in 2010
Birth date	1941-12-19
Birth place	Osaka, Empire of Japan
Nationality	South Korean
Alma mater	Korea University
Occupation	Politician, businessman
Party	Grand National Party
Spouse	Kim Yun-ok

Lee Myung-bak was the 10th President of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), serving from 2008 to 2013. A former Hyundai executive and Seoul mayor, he led a conservative administration associated with pro-business policies, large-scale infrastructure projects, and a tough stance toward the North Korea during several crises. His presidency concluded amid domestic controversies and subsequent criminal investigation and conviction.

Early life and education

Born in Osaka to Korean migrant parents during the Japanese occupation, Lee Myung-bak returned to the Korean Peninsula after World War II and grew up in Daegu and Seoul. He attended Korea University, where he studied Business Administration. During his university years he interacted with peers who later became figures in South Korean politics and business conglomerates such as Hyundai. His formative years coincided with the administrations of Syngman Rhee and the April Revolution, the May 16 coup that brought Park Chung-hee to power, and the student movements of the 1970s.

Business career

Lee joined Hyundai Engineering and Construction and rose through management during the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a senior executive associated with the conglomerate's expansion into construction, civil engineering, and overseas contracts in regions including Southeast Asia and the Middle East. His corporate tenure connected him with executives from Hyundai Group and business leaders who later influenced South Korean industry and relations with institutions such as the Korea Exchange and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. His business background was part of his public image as a "CEO" politician during campaigns against opponents from parties including the Millennium Democratic Party and the Uri Party.

Political rise and mayoralty

Entering electoral politics, Lee was elected to the National Assembly as a member of the Grand National Party and served in the 17th National Assembly. Rising within the party, he campaigned on themes of economic revitalization and urban renewal against figures such as Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in. In 2002 he was elected Mayor of Seoul where his administration promoted projects like the Cheonggyecheon restoration and urban redevelopment initiatives that interacted with stakeholders including the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Korea Land and Housing Corporation, and international firms. His mayoralty positioned him as a leading contender in the 2007–2008 presidential succession, competing with rivals from the Liberty Forward Party and attracting endorsements from business-oriented factions within the Grand National Party.

Presidency (2008–2013)

Lee assumed the presidency in February 2008 following a campaign emphasizing economic growth and "777" pledges that referenced targets for growth, job creation, and income. His administration confronted global challenges including the 2008 financial crisis and regional security issues involving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the United States, China, and Japan. Key initiatives included the Four Major Rivers Project, engagement with multilateral forums such as the 2010 G20 Seoul summit, and bilateral summits with leaders from the United States presidential administrations and the People's Republic of China leadership. He appointed cabinets drawn from political allies and figures with experience in institutions like the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Bank of Korea.

Domestic policies and controversies

Domestically his policies prioritized large infrastructure projects like the Four Major Rivers Project and deregulation measures affecting corporations such as Samsung and LG. These measures were contested by civic groups including People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and environmental organizations like Green Korea United, who criticized impacts on river ecosystems and fiscal transparency. Labor relations saw confrontations with unions affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions. Controversies included debates over presidential pardon powers tied to figures connected with the Park Geun-hye era, allegations regarding influence peddling involving associates with links to entities such as Hyundai Motor Company and disputes in the National Assembly over media law and judicial appointments, involving institutions like the Constitutional Court of Korea and the Supreme Court of Korea.

Foreign policy and international relations

Lee's foreign policy emphasized a pro-United States alliance posture and measured engagement with China and Japan. He supported stronger security cooperation with the United States Forces Korea and participated in trilateral talks with the United States and Japan over regional issues such as the North Korean nuclear program and the Six-Party Talks. Following naval confrontations like the 2009 shelling of Yeonpyeong and the ROKS Cheonan sinking investigation, his administration coordinated sanctions and diplomatic responses with partners including the United Nations Security Council. Lee promoted economic diplomacy through trade initiatives involving the Korea–United States Free Trade Agreement and state visits engaging companies such as POSCO and Korea Electric Power Corporation.

Legal troubles and conviction

After leaving office, Lee faced investigations by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office of the Republic of Korea into allegations including bribery, embezzlement, and breach of trust linked to private firms, foundations, and family members. Prosecutors examined connections to entities such as Daejang-dong development projects and donations involving business groups including Hyundai. In 2018 he was arrested and later convicted on multiple counts, receiving a sentence involving imprisonment and fines, with rulings from the Seoul Central District Court and appellate review by the Supreme Court of Korea. His conviction prompted debate among political parties including the Liberty Korea Party and civil society organizations such as Transparency International-aligned groups about anti-corruption enforcement and presidential accountability. Following appeals and legal processes, his status remained a significant element in discussions of post-presidential accountability in South Korea.

Category: Presidents of South Korea Category: Korean politicians Category: People from Osaka