Lee Myung-bak

Lee Myung-bak is a South Korean politician who served as the President of South Korea from 2008 to 2013. He was a member of the Grand National Party and previously served as the Mayor of Seoul from 2002 to 2006. During his presidency, he focused on improving relations with the United States, Japan, and China, while also promoting the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project. He was succeeded by Park Geun-hye, the daughter of Park Chung-hee, a former President of South Korea.

● Early Life and Education

Lee Myung-bak was born in Osaka, Japan, to a family of Korean immigrants. He moved to Pohang, South Korea, with his family at a young age and attended Korea University, where he studied business administration. After graduating, he worked for Hyundai Engineering and Construction, a major South Korean conglomerate, and later became the company's chief executive officer. He was also involved in various Seoul-based organizations, including the Seoul Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Korean Industries. In the 1960s, he was influenced by the Korean independence movement and the April Revolution, which led to the overthrow of Syngman Rhee.

● Career

Before entering politics, Lee Myung-bak had a successful career in the private sector, working for Hyundai Group and later becoming the chief executive officer of Hyundai Engineering and Construction. He was also involved in various Seoul-based organizations, including the Seoul Metropolitan Council and the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business. In 1992, he was elected as a member of the National Assembly of South Korea, representing the Grand National Party. He later served as the Mayor of Seoul from 2002 to 2006, during which he implemented various urban development projects, including the Cheonggyecheon restoration project. He also worked closely with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to improve the city's infrastructure.

● Presidency

As the President of South Korea, Lee Myung-bak focused on improving the country's economy and promoting its international relations. He implemented various policies, including the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project, which aimed to restore and develop the country's four major rivers. He also promoted the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement and strengthened ties with the United States, Japan, and China. During his presidency, he met with various world leaders, including Barack Obama, Hu Jintao, and Dmitry Medvedev. He also played a key role in promoting the G20 and the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit. However, his presidency was also marked by controversy, including the US beef import protests and the Roh Moo-hyun corruption scandal.

● Post-Presidency

After leaving office, Lee Myung-bak has remained involved in politics and public life. He has been involved in various organizations, including the Korea Foundation and the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. He has also written several books, including his memoirs, which were published in 2014. In 2018, he was arrested and charged with corruption and bribery, related to his presidency and his time as the Mayor of Seoul. The case was investigated by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office of the Republic of Korea and the Seoul Central District Court. He was later convicted and sentenced to prison, but was released in 2022 due to health reasons. The case was widely reported by the Korean Broadcasting System and the JoongAng Ilbo.

● Personal Life

Lee Myung-bak is married to Kim Yoon-ok and has three children. He is a devout Christian and has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Korea Christian Council and the World Vision Korea. He has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, including receiving the Ho-Am Prize in Community Service in 1995. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church in Korea and has supported various Seoul-based charities, including the Seoul Metropolitan Welfare Foundation and the Korea Red Cross. Throughout his life, he has been influenced by various Korean leaders, including Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan.