History of Lee Jae-myung in Timeline

Lee Jae-myung is a prominent South Korean politician and lawyer. He currently serves as a member of the National Assembly and leads the Democratic Party of Korea. In 2022, he was the Democratic Party's presidential nominee, ultimately losing the election. Prior to his national role, Lee served as the 35th Governor of Gyeonggi Province from 2018 to 2022. His career reflects a blend of legal expertise and political leadership.

December 1963: Birth of Lee Jae-myung

Lee Jae-myung was born in December 1963.

December 1964: Birth

Lee Jae-myung was born in December 1964 in Andong.

1978: Earned Middle School Diploma

Lee Jae-myung earned his middle school diploma in 1978.

1980: Earned High School Diploma

Lee Jae-myung earned his high school diploma and passed the university entrance examination in 1980.

1986: Graduated Law School and Entered Judicial Research and Training Institute

In 1986, after graduating from Chung-Ang University's College of Law, Lee Jae-myung passed the bar exam and began two years at the Judicial Research and Training Institute.

1986: Lee Jae-myung Graduated Law School and Passed Bar Exam

Lee Jae-myung earned his law degree from Chung-Ang University and passed the bar exam in 1986.

1995: Founding Member of Seongnam Citizens' Association

In 1995, Lee Jae-myung co-founded the 'Seongnam Citizens' Association'.

2002: Movement for a New Municipal Hospital

Around 2002, Lee Jae-myung started a movement to establish a new municipal hospital in Seongnam after the closure of two general hospitals. This experience influenced his decision to enter politics.

August 2005: Joined Uri Party

Lee Jae-myung joined the Uri Party in August 2005 and declared his candidacy for mayor of Seongnam.

2005: Enters Politics

Lee Jae-myung entered politics in 2005, joining the Uri Party.

2006: Ran for Mayor of Seongnam

In 2006, Lee Jae-myung ran for mayor of Seongnam but was defeated.

2007: Senior Deputy Chief in Chung Dong-young's Presidential Campaign

In 2007, Lee Jae-myung served as the senior deputy chief in Chung Dong-young's presidential campaign.

2008: Deputy Spokesperson for Democratic Party

Following the 2008 election, Lee Jae-myung became the deputy spokesperson for the Democratic Party.

2008: Ran for National Assembly

Lee Jae-myung ran for a seat in the National Assembly in the 2008 general election but lost.

2010: Elected Mayor of Seongnam

In the 2010 local elections, Lee Jae-myung was elected Mayor of Seongnam.

2014: Re-elected Mayor of Seongnam

Lee Jae-myung secured a second term as Mayor of Seongnam in the 2014 local elections.

2016: Response to Park Geun-hye–Choi Soon-sil Gate

During the Park Geun-hye–Choi Soon-sil Gate scandal in late 2016, Lee Jae-myung's outspoken criticism garnered national attention.

2016: Ban on Dog Meat in Moran Market

In 2016, Lee Jae-myung initiated a ban on dog meat and the closure of dog slaughtering facilities in Moran Market.

2017: Participated in Democratic Party Presidential Primary

In 2017, Lee Jae-myung participated in the Democratic Party presidential primary.

2018: Resigned as Mayor of Seongnam

In 2018, Lee Jae-myung resigned as the mayor of Seongnam to run for Governor of Gyeonggi Province.

2018: Elected Governor of Gyeonggi Province

Lee Jae-myung was elected Governor of Gyeonggi Province in 2018.

March 2020: Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

In March 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, Lee Jae-myung played a key role in securing the cooperation of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus founder for testing and contact tracing.

February 2021: Lee Jae-myung's Attendance at COVID-19 Meetings Questioned

In February 2021, Lee Jae-myung's attendance record at COVID-19 meetings was brought into question, having only attended three out of an average of 68.5 meetings attended by other provincial and municipal leaders.

April 2021: Lee Jae-myung Defends his COVID-19 Response

In April 2021, Lee Jae-myung defended his approach to the pandemic, stating that he prioritized critical issues over attending numerous meetings. This sparked criticism from Chung Sye-kyun, who expressed his frustration with Lee's statement.

July 2021: Lee Jae-myung Announces Presidential Bid

Lee Jae-myung declared his candidacy for the 2022 presidential election in July 2021, emphasizing policies focused on equality and enhancing Korea's global standing.

October 2021: Lee Jae-myung's Economic Policy Stance

On October 10, 2021, Lee Jae-myung expressed his intention to implement a state-led economic revival policy, drawing inspiration from Franklin D. Roosevelt's approach during the Great Depression.

October 2021: Lee Jae-myung Becomes Democratic Party Nominee

On October 10, 2021, Lee Jae-myung secured the Democratic Party's nomination for the presidential election after winning a majority of the primary votes.

2021: Lee Jae-myung's COVID-19 Disaster Relief Plan Dispute

Throughout 2021, Lee Jae-myung clashed with the central government over his plan to provide COVID-19 disaster relief funds to all Gyeonggi Province residents.

May 2022: Lee Jae-myung Runs for National Assembly Seat

On May 7, 2022, Lee Jae-myung announced his candidacy for the Incheon Gyeyang District B seat in the National Assembly during the June by-elections.

June 2022: Lee Jae-myung Wins National Assembly Seat

On June 1, 2022, Lee Jae-myung won the Incheon Gyeyang District B seat in the National Assembly by-elections.

2022: Lee Jae-myung's Universal Basic Income Pledge

During his 2022 presidential campaign, Lee Jae-myung made a key pledge to implement universal basic income, building upon his experience with basic income programs during his time as mayor and governor.

2022: Ran for President

In 2022, Lee Jae-myung ran for president of South Korea as the Democratic Party nominee, but lost to Yoon Suk-yeol.

2022: Lee Jae-myung's Presidential Candidacy

In 2022, Lee Jae-myung was the Democratic Party's nominee for the South Korean presidential election. He ran against Yoon Suk Yeol but lost. He also finished his term as the Governor of Gyeonggi Province in this year.

2022: Investigation into Lee Jae-myung Begins

In 2022, an investigation began into alleged corporate donations and favors during Lee Jae-myung's time as mayor of Seongnam, leading to accusations from the opposition party.

2022: Lee Jae-myung's Political Stance

Lee Jae-myung's political stance is generally considered social liberal and moderate-progressive, although he has also demonstrated tendencies towards economic liberalism, particularly regarding real estate tax cuts and corporate deregulation. This economic liberalism has become more pronounced in recent years, especially around the time of the 2022 South Korean presidential election.

2022: Violation of Public Official Election Act

The Public Official Election Act violation for which Lee Jae-myung was convicted in November 2024 relates to false statements made during his 2022 presidential campaign.

January 2023: Lee Jae-myung Summoned for Questioning

In January 2023, Lee Jae-myung was summoned to the prosecutor's office for questioning related to a criminal case.

February 2023: Arrest Motion Against Lee Jae-myung Rejected

In February 2023, the National Assembly rejected a motion for Lee Jae-myung's arrest, with an unexpectedly close vote, including some members from his own party voting in favor.

March 2023: Lee Jae-myung Indicted on Corruption Charges

In March 2023, Lee Jae-myung was indicted on charges including bribery, corruption, breach of trust, and conflict of interest related to his time as mayor of Seongnam. He denied the accusations, claiming the investigation was politically motivated.

September 2023: Arrest Motion Against Lee Jae-myung Approved and Warrant Rejected

In September 2023, Seoul prosecutors sought another motion to arrest Lee Jae-myung on corruption charges. The National Assembly approved the motion, and an arrest warrant was issued. However, he was released after the Seoul Central District Court rejected the warrant on September 27.

January 2024: Assassination Attempt and Conviction

In January 2024, Lee Jae-myung survived an assassination attempt. Later, in November 2024, he was convicted of violating the Public Official Election Act and received a one-year suspended prison sentence.