Photo by 코리아넷 / 해외문화홍보원. Former President of South Korea Lee Myung-bak.

Navigating the Political Landscape: The Echo of Lee Myung-bak's Tenure in Today's Korea

By Byung Kee Park

Seoul, South Korea — Lee Myung-bak, the 17th president of South Korea, emerged victorious in the 2007 presidential election as a member of the Grand National Party (predecessor of the People Power Party), defeating Democratic United New Party candidate Chung Dong-young, by a margin of 22.53% or 5,317,708 votes. Lee's impressive margin of victory can be attributed to his successful policies as Seoul's mayor, including the "Hi Seoul" branding, the Cheonggyecheon Stream restoration project, and the overhaul of Seoul's public transportation system.

However, during his presidency, Lee faced intense scrutiny for his crucial personnel decisions, which drew ire from both the opposition and the public. Even conservative-leaning media outlets like the Chosun Ilbo criticized his appointments, commenting on their poor caliber and suitability. Despite his party's conservative inclination, many questioned his ability to make sound personnel decisions, with some equating them to dubious artistry.

Under Lee Myung-bak's administration, there was a significant surge in illegal activities and corruption, regardless of the sector. High-ranking officials often found themselves embroiled in various controversies. Accusations of draft dodging, real estate speculation, and tax evasion became so commonplace that they were sarcastically referred to as recruitment prerequisites.

Moreover, Lee Myung-bak's decision to dismantle the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Information and Communication drew criticism for perceived shortsightedness concerning future industries. There were also significant cuts to the space development budget, which some regarded as a step backward.

In contrast, Lee Myung-bak received praise for his diplomatic and defense policies. His camaraderie with then-US President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush strengthened the U.S.-South Korea alliance. He also fostered warm relationships with global leaders, such as UAE's President Mohammed and Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Interestingly, parallels have been drawn between Lee and the current president, Yoon Suk Yeol, and opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung. Many of Lee's key bureaucrats continue to wield influence in the current administration. 

Lee Myung-bak and Yoon have emphasized defense and foreign policy. Yoon, like Lee, has been noted for his dedication to diplomacy, even exceeding his diplomatic budget by 30 billion won. His rendition of the song "American Pie" during a state dinner in the U.S. on April 26, 2023, garnered significant media attention, with the original song charting high subsequently.

Both Yoon and Lee Myung-bak have faced challenges with domestic approval ratings. Lee started with a favorable 52% in his first year, but by the end of his term, this had plummeted to between 17% and 29%. Yoon's approval rating oscillated between 20% and 50% in his first year and later stabilized around 20-30%, reflecting domestic challenges.

Despite treading a path similar to Lee Myung-bak's and boasting a commendable 90% policy fulfillment rate during his tenure as mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province, Lee Jae-myung has been ensnared in various corruption scandals. Recent allegations against him include misuse of a corporate credit card by his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, and inappropriate use of public officials for personal tasks. Such controversies have cast shadows over his leadership, with over 2,000 party members formally requesting his suspension as party head on October 18.

In 2018, following his presidential term, Lee Myung-bak faced allegations over the actual ownership of DAS and was implicated in a case involving the National Intelligence Service's special activity funds being handed over to the presidential office. The warrant for his arrest was notably issued upon the recommendation of Yoon Suk Yeol, who was the chief prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office at the time. Later, after ascending to the presidency, Yoon granted Lee Myung-bak a pardon. Many of Yoon's close associates were previously affiliated with Lee Myung-bak, hinting at a complex relationship. Experts speculate that both Yoon and Lee Jae-myung may follow a path reminiscent of Lee Myung-bak's political trajectory. The lingering question remains: When will South Korea step out of the shadow of Lee Myung-bak?