Lee Jae-myung's Rise to Power: How South Korea's New President Won Over the Electorate

His background is a remarkable story of rising from extreme poverty to become the president. At the age of 13, he became a child laborer to support his family, with the factory serving as his school. In this harsh environment, he lived alongside the most vulnerable members of society, gaining a deep understanding of the world and dreaming of creating a better society. This background shaped his strong character and "survival-type leadership" style, which is characterized by his determination and will to survive. He admires former President Kim Dae-jung, who did not yield to adversity and dedicated his life to serving the vulnerable.

Lee Jae-myung's campaign strategy was effective in solidifying his base and winning over middle-ground voters. His humble background resonated with many voters, and his clear strategy of emphasizing national unity and showcasing a practical approach to problem-solving struck a chord with the electorate. His focus on livelihood issues, such as investing in cutting-edge industries and providing financial support to businesses, alleviated concerns about the economy. Additionally, his pragmatic approach to foreign diplomacy, including diversifying relationships with countries like the United States, Japan, and Russia, as well as promoting regional cooperation and easing military tensions on the Korean Peninsula, was seen as a welcome change from the previous administration's approach.

As he begins his presidential term, there are high hopes that he will deliver on his promises, adhere to pragmatic policies, mend the South Korea-China economic and trade relationship, improve the domestic economy, and ease geopolitical pressures. With his background as a self-made individual who rose from poverty to become the president, Lee has captured the hearts of many South Koreans who seek stability and change. His presidency is expected to face numerous challenges, including the divided political landscape and social issues that have plagued the country for years. However, his ability to connect with the middle-class voters and his pragmatic approach to governance have given many Koreans hope for a better future.

One of the major challenges Lee will face is the need to balance his country's relationships with major powers such as the United States, China, and Japan. His pledge to pursue a multi-faceted foreign policy and promote regional cooperation is seen as a step in the right direction. Additionally, his commitment to investing in cutting-edge industries and providing support to businesses will be crucial in revitalizing the domestic economy. Despite these challenges, Lee's "survival-type leadership" style is expected to serve him well in navigating the complex web of Korean politics. His experience of growing up in poverty and working as a child laborer has given him a unique perspective on the needs of the most vulnerable members of society, and his presidency is expected to prioritize the welfare of the common people.

As Lee embarks on his presidential journey, the world will be watching to see if he can deliver on his promises and bring about the change that many Koreans are seeking. With his strong mandate and pragmatic approach, there is hope that Lee can overcome the numerous challenges that lie ahead and lead South Korea towards a brighter future. Korean media has praised Lee's leadership style, describing it as pragmatic and focused on unity, and his policies have been well-received by voters. His ability to grasp the hearts of middle-ground voters was a crucial factor in his victory, and his presidency is expected to be a turning point for the country.