History of Lee Myung-bak

Lee Myung-bak, born on December 19, 1941, in Osaka, Japan, is a South Korean businessman-turned-politician who served as the President of South Korea from 2008 to 2013. His journey from humble beginnings to the highest office in the country is a remarkable tale of ambition, perseverance, and controversy.

Lee's early life was marked by poverty and hardship. Born into a poor family who had migrated to Japan during the Japanese occupation of Korea, he returned to South Korea with his family after Korea's liberation in 1945. They settled in the southeastern city of Pohang. Despite financial difficulties, Lee was determined to pursue an education. He worked various odd jobs to pay for his tuition and eventually managed to attend Korea University in Seoul, where he graduated with a degree in business administration in 1965.

Lee's professional career began at the Hyundai Group, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates. He joined the company in 1965 as an entry-level employee but quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his tenacity and leadership skills. By 1988, Lee had become the CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction, a position he held until 1992. Under his leadership, the company expanded its operations globally and played a significant role in South Korea’s economic development during the rapid industrialization period known as the "Miracle on the Han River."

Lee's successful business career paved the way for his entry into politics. In 1992, he was elected to the National Assembly as a member of the conservative Democratic Liberal Party, which later became the Grand National Party (GNP). His political rise was fast, reflecting his corporate success. However, he faced numerous challenges, including accusations of corruption and misconduct, which are not uncommon in the high-stakes world of South Korean politics.

In 2002, Lee ran for mayor of Seoul, South Korea's capital and largest city. His campaign focused on pragmatic administrative reform and infrastructure development, areas where he leveraged his corporate experience. Lee won the election and served as mayor from 2002 to 2006. One of his major accomplishments as mayor was the Cheonggyecheon restoration project, which transformed an old, industrial waterway in the heart of Seoul into a vibrant public space, earning him both praise and criticism. While supporters lauded the project as an example of urban renewal, critics pointed to its high costs and alleged displacement of lower-income residents.

Lee's success as mayor propelled him into the national spotlight and set the stage for his presidential ambitions. In the lead-up to the 2007 presidential election, Lee positioned himself as a candidate who could revitalize South Korea's economy and improve its relations with the rest of the world. His main opposition came from the liberal United New Democratic Party's candidate, Chung Dong-young. Lee's campaign focused on economic growth, job creation, and improving infrastructure, with key promises including the so-called "747 Plan," which aimed for 7% economic growth, $40,000 per capita income, and making South Korea the 7th largest economy in the world.

In December 2007, Lee won the presidency with a landslide victory, capitalizing on public discontent with the economic management of his predecessor, Roh Moo-hyun. Lee's presidency focused on pragmatic economic policies and strengthening South Korea's global economic position. However, his tenure was not without controversy. Early in his presidency, he faced mass protests over a decision to resume U.S. beef imports, which had been halted due to fears of mad cow disease.

Lee's administration was characterized by its emphasis on business-friendly policies and ambitious infrastructure projects. He continued to build strong alliances with traditional allies like the United States, focusing on trade agreements and bolstering economic ties. Under Lee, South Korea hosted the G20 summit in 2010, marking its emergence as a significant player on the world stage.

However, his term was marred by several scandals and criticisms, particularly concerning his handling of North Korea. His hardline policy towards Pyongyang, particularly after incidents like the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island in 2010, led to heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Domestically, several of his close associates and family members were embroiled in corruption scandals, which tainted his administration's public image.

Perhaps one of the most contentious aspects of his presidency was the Four Major Rivers Project, a massive infrastructure initiative aimed at developing South Korea's four major rivers for flood control, water management, and tourism. Critics argued that the project caused environmental damage and was economically wasteful, claims that overshadowed the intended benefits.

Lee's presidency ended in early 2013, succeeded by Park Geun-hye. Post-presidency, his political career took a downturn due to ongoing investigations into corruption. In 2018, he was arrested and eventually sentenced to prison for bribery and embezzlement, charges mainly related to his time as both a businessman and a politician. His legal troubles have significantly impacted his legacy, painting a complex picture of a leader whose economic contributions are often overshadowed by ethical controversies.

In summary, Lee Myung-bak's history as a politician is one of contrasts. His career highlights the potential for business acumen in governance but also serves as a cautionary tale of the pitfalls of political ambition and the persistent challenges of corruption in South Korea. His life story, from poverty to presidency, underscores the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of South Korean politics.