Lee Myung-bak

Lee Myung-bak
Official portrait, 2008
Lee Myung-bak
Born	19 12, 1941
Birthplace	Osaka, Japan
Nationality	South Korean
Occupation	Politician, business executive
Known for	10th President of South Korea, Mayor of Seoul, CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction
Education	Korea University (BBA)
Spouse(s)	Kim Yoon-ok
Children	4
Awards	Honorary degree from Paris Diderot University (2011)

Lee Myung-bak (Template:Lang-ko; born 19 December 1941), often referred to by his initials MB, is a South Korean politician and business executive who served as the tenth President of South Korea from 25 February 2008 to 25 February 2013. Born in Osaka during the period of Japanese colonial rule, Lee rose from modest origins to become one of South Korea's most prominent corporate leaders before transitioning into public life. He served as chief executive officer of Hyundai Engineering and Construction, one of the country's largest firms, and later entered politics, winning election as Mayor of Seoul in 2002 and serving until 2006. A member of the conservative Grand National Party (later renamed the Saenuri Party), Lee won the 2007 presidential election and pursued a policy agenda centered on economic pragmatism, infrastructure development, and a harder line toward North Korea than his predecessors. His presidency saw South Korea host the 2010 G-20 Seoul summit, raising the country's international profile. After leaving office, Lee was arrested in March 2018 on charges of bribery, embezzlement, and tax evasion, and was convicted and sentenced to prison. He was pardoned by President Yoon Suk-yeol in December 2022.

Early Life

Lee Myung-bak was born on 19 December 1941 in Osaka, Japan, during the period when Korea was under Japanese colonial rule. His family was among the large Korean diaspora living in Japan at the time. After the end of World War II and the liberation of Korea in 1945, the Lee family returned to the Korean peninsula. Lee grew up in conditions of considerable poverty in post-war South Korea.

Lee's older brother, Lee Sang-deuk, later became a South Korean politician in his own right. The family's difficult circumstances during Lee's youth are frequently cited in accounts of his life, as his rise from poverty to the leadership of one of Korea's largest corporations and ultimately to the presidency became a central element of his public narrative. Lee is a Christian and has attended Somang Presbyterian Church.

Education

Lee Myung-bak attended Korea University in Seoul, one of South Korea's most prestigious private universities, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. His time at Korea University was formative both academically and in shaping his later career in business and politics. In 2011, Lee received an honorary degree from Paris Diderot University in France, recognizing his contributions to international affairs during his presidency.

Career

Business Career at Hyundai

Before entering politics, Lee Myung-bak built a long and prominent career at Hyundai Group, one of South Korea's largest conglomerates. He joined Hyundai Engineering and Construction and rose through the company's ranks over the course of several decades, ultimately serving as the company's chief executive officer. His tenure at Hyundai earned him the nickname "Bulldozer" for his aggressive, results-oriented management style and his role in overseeing large-scale construction and infrastructure projects both domestically and internationally. The nickname would follow him into his political career and became a defining characteristic of public perceptions of his leadership approach.

Lee's corporate career at Hyundai was marked by his involvement in major construction projects that contributed to South Korea's rapid industrialization and economic development during the latter decades of the twentieth century. His experience in large-scale project management and corporate leadership became a key part of his political platform when he later sought public office, as he positioned himself as a pragmatic, business-oriented leader capable of driving economic growth.

Member of the National Assembly

Lee Myung-bak transitioned from the corporate world to politics in the early 1990s. He was elected as a member of the National Assembly through proportional representation, serving his first term from 30 May 1992 to 29 May 1996. He subsequently won election to represent the Jongno constituency in Seoul, serving a second term from 30 May 1996 to 21 February 1998. During his time in the National Assembly, Lee established himself within the conservative political establishment and began building the political base that would support his later campaigns for mayor and president.

Mayor of Seoul (2002–2006)

Lee Myung-bak was elected Mayor of Seoul on 1 July 2002, succeeding Goh Kun. His tenure as mayor of the South Korean capital was marked by ambitious urban renewal projects that significantly altered the cityscape of Seoul and drew both domestic and international attention.

The most prominent project of his mayoral tenure was the Cheonggyecheon stream restoration. The project involved the demolition of an elevated highway that had been built over the Cheonggyecheon stream during Seoul's rapid industrialization, and the restoration of the waterway as a public green space and urban park running through the heart of the city. The project was widely covered in the media and became emblematic of Lee's approach to governance—large-scale, visible infrastructure projects carried out at a rapid pace. The Cheonggyecheon restoration was completed in 2005 and transformed a section of central Seoul, becoming a popular public attraction.

Lee also pursued reforms to the city's public transportation system, including the restructuring of the bus network. These initiatives contributed to his reputation as a decisive, action-oriented executive and enhanced his national profile, positioning him as a leading contender for the presidency. He served as mayor until 30 June 2006 and was succeeded by Oh Se-hoon.

2007 Presidential Election

Lee Myung-bak ran for the presidency in the December 2007 election as the candidate of the Grand National Party. His campaign centered on promises of economic revitalization, drawing heavily on his corporate background and his record of infrastructure development as mayor of Seoul. He proposed an ambitious economic plan known as the "747 plan," which called for seven percent annual economic growth, a per capita income of $40,000, and making South Korea the world's seventh-largest economy.

The campaign was not without controversy. Lee faced allegations regarding his involvement with a company called BBK, an investment firm at the center of a stock manipulation scandal. Lee denied any connection to the fraud, and prosecutors cleared him of involvement before the election, though the issue continued to generate public debate.

Lee won the election by a large margin, capitalizing on public dissatisfaction with the outgoing liberal government and widespread desire for economic change. He succeeded President Roh Moo-hyun and took office on 25 February 2008.

Presidency (2008–2013)

Domestic Policy

Lee Myung-bak's presidency was defined in significant part by his emphasis on economic policy and large-scale infrastructure projects. One of the most prominent and controversial initiatives of his administration was the Four Major Rivers Project, a massive public works program aimed at restoring and developing the four major river systems in South Korea—the Han, Nakdong, Geum, and Yeongsan rivers. The project involved the construction of dams, weirs, and other infrastructure, and was promoted by the administration as a means to secure water resources, prevent flooding, and stimulate economic growth. Critics, however, raised concerns about the environmental impact of the project and questioned its cost-effectiveness. The Four Major Rivers Project became a polarizing issue during Lee's presidency and continued to generate debate after he left office.

Lee's administration also pursued economic policies oriented toward deregulation and fostering business growth, consistent with his background as a corporate executive. His economic agenda drew on a pragmatic, growth-oriented philosophy that has been the subject of renewed analysis in subsequent years.

The early months of Lee's presidency were marked by large-scale protests against the resumption of U.S. beef imports, which had been banned following the detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) in American cattle. The protests, which drew tens of thousands of demonstrators in central Seoul, represented a significant political challenge for the new administration and highlighted public concerns about food safety and the government's approach to trade negotiations.

Significant controversy arose during Lee's presidency regarding various government initiatives that prompted civil opposition and protest against his administration and the ruling party. The reformist faction within the Saenuri Party was at odds with Lee on a number of issues, creating intra-party tensions that complicated his legislative agenda.

North Korea Policy

Lee Myung-bak fundamentally altered the South Korean government's approach to North Korea, departing from the engagement-oriented Sunshine Policy that had been pursued by his two immediate predecessors, Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun. Lee adopted a more conditional approach, linking inter-Korean cooperation to progress on North Korea's nuclear weapons program and demanding reciprocity in bilateral relations.

This harder line was tested by several serious provocations from the North during Lee's presidency. In March 2010, the South Korean naval vessel ROKS Cheonan was sunk, killing 46 sailors; an international investigation concluded that the ship had been torpedoed by a North Korean submarine, though North Korea denied responsibility. In November 2010, North Korea shelled Yeonpyeong Island, killing two South Korean marines and two civilians. These incidents reinforced Lee's hardline posture and led to a significant deterioration in inter-Korean relations during his presidency.

Despite the tensions with North Korea, Lee was supportive of regional dialogue and sought to strengthen South Korea's relationships with Russia, China, and Japan as part of a broader diplomatic strategy.

Foreign Policy and International Profile

Under Lee Myung-bak's administration, South Korea increased its visibility and influence on the global stage. The most significant milestone in this regard was the hosting of the 2010 G-20 Seoul summit, the first G-20 summit to be held in a non-G7 country. The summit placed South Korea at the center of international economic discussions in the aftermath of the global financial crisis and was seen as a reflection of South Korea's rising status as a middle power.

Lee also pursued the expansion of South Korea's network of free trade agreements and sought to position the country as a hub for international economic cooperation. During his presidency, South Korea also secured the right to host the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, though the games were held after he left office.

Lee's administration also engaged in outreach to the Middle East and other regions. In February 2009, Lee signed a deal worth approximately US$3.55 billion with visiting Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to assist in the reconstruction of Iraq, underscoring South Korea's growing role in international development and infrastructure projects.

Lee ended his five-year presidential term on 25 February 2013 and was succeeded by Park Geun-hye, also of the Saenuri Party.

Criminal Conviction and Pardon

On 22 March 2018, Lee Myung-bak was arrested on charges of bribery, embezzlement, and tax evasion alleged to have occurred during his presidency. Prosecutors accused Lee of receiving bribes totaling 11 billion won (approximately US$10 million) and channeling assets of 35 billion won (approximately US$33 million) to an illicit slush fund. Shortly before his arrest, Lee posted a handwritten statement on Facebook denying the charges.

Lee's arrest came approximately one year after the arrest of his successor, former President Park Geun-hye, who had been arrested on charges stemming from the 2016 South Korean political scandal. The consecutive arrests of two former presidents drew significant attention both domestically and internationally, raising questions about corruption in South Korean politics and the pattern of legal troubles that have afflicted former South Korean heads of state.

On 5 October 2018, Lee was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He appealed the sentence, but on 29 October 2020, the Korean Supreme Court upheld a 17-year sentence that had been imposed by an appellate court, which had increased the original sentence.

On 27 December 2022, President Yoon Suk-yeol granted Lee a special pardon, cancelling the remaining approximately 15 years of his sentence. The pardon was part of a broader set of presidential pardons and was controversial, with critics arguing that it undermined the rule of law and the judicial process, while supporters contended that it was an act of reconciliation and compassion given Lee's age and health.

Personal Life

Lee Myung-bak is married to Kim Yoon-ok. The couple has four children: three daughters and one son. His older brother, Lee Sang-deuk, was also a South Korean politician; Lee Sang-deuk was convicted of accepting bribes during Lee Myung-bak's presidency.

Lee is a Christian and attends Somang Presbyterian Church. He has been based in Seoul throughout his post-presidential life.

In February 2026, a contestant on the Netflix reality show Single's Inferno 5, Lee Sung-hoon, was the subject of unsubstantiated online rumors claiming he was Lee Myung-bak's grandson. Both the contestant and the show's production team denied any familial connection, and the rumors were confirmed to be baseless.

Recognition

In 2011, Lee Myung-bak received an honorary doctorate from Paris Diderot University in France, in recognition of his contributions to international affairs and South Korea's growing global role during his presidency.

During his tenure as mayor of Seoul, Lee's Cheonggyecheon stream restoration project received widespread attention as a model of urban renewal and was featured prominently in international media, including a cover story in Time magazine in 2006 that profiled his accomplishments and leadership style.

The hosting of the 2010 G-20 Seoul summit during his presidency was considered a significant diplomatic achievement, marking the first time the summit was held outside the G7 nations and elevating South Korea's international standing.

Lee's legacy, however, remains contested. His criminal conviction and imprisonment, followed by his pardon, have generated ongoing debate about accountability for corruption among South Korean leaders. The pattern of former South Korean presidents facing legal proceedings after leaving office—a phenomenon that has affected the majority of the country's former heads of state—has been a subject of extensive commentary both within South Korea and internationally.

Legacy

Lee Myung-bak's legacy is complex and subject to differing interpretations. Supporters credit him with raising South Korea's international profile, pursuing pragmatic economic policies, and carrying out significant infrastructure projects, most notably the Cheonggyecheon restoration in Seoul and the hosting of the G-20 summit. His corporate background and management-oriented approach to governance represented a distinct style of political leadership in South Korea, and his emphasis on economic pragmatism has been the subject of renewed attention and analysis in subsequent political eras.

Critics point to the environmental concerns surrounding the Four Major Rivers Project, the hardline North Korea policy that some argue contributed to increased tensions on the Korean peninsula, and the corruption charges that ultimately led to his conviction and imprisonment. His presidency, like those of several of his predecessors and his successor, ended with criminal proceedings—a recurring pattern that has raised broader questions about the structure of South Korean political power and the challenges of accountability.

The special pardon granted by President Yoon Suk-yeol in December 2022 allowed Lee to avoid serving the bulk of his sentence but did not resolve the fundamental debates about his presidency. Lee Myung-bak remains a significant and polarizing figure in South Korean political history, embodying both the promise of pragmatic, development-oriented governance and the persistent challenges of corruption that have marked the country's modern political trajectory.