Lee Myung-bak

Lee Myung-bak, born on December 19, 1941, in Osaka during the Empire of Japan, is a prominent South Korean politician and business executive. He served as the tenth president of South Korea from 2008 to 2013, representing the Saenuri Party. Prior to his political career, Lee was the chief executive officer of Hyundai Engineering and Construction, showcasing his strong background in business.

Lee's political journey began with his tenure as the mayor of Seoul from 2002 to 2006. His presidency was marked by a significant shift in South Korea's approach to North Korea, adopting a more hardline stance amidst rising tensions. Despite this, he maintained a commitment to regional dialogue with neighboring countries such as Russia, China, and Japan. Under his leadership, South Korea gained increased visibility on the global stage, notably hosting the 2010 G-20 Seoul summit.

Throughout his presidency, Lee faced considerable controversy, particularly regarding high-profile government initiatives that sparked civil opposition and protests. His term ended on February 24, 2013, when he was succeeded by Park Geun-hye. Lee's political legacy is complex, characterized by both achievements and challenges within his party.

In March 2018, Lee was arrested on serious charges including bribery, embezzlement, and tax evasion, with prosecutors alleging he received bribes totaling eleven billion won and misappropriated assets amounting to thirty-five billion won for an illicit slush fund. Following his conviction on October 5, 2018, he was sentenced to fifteen years in prison. However, on December 27, 2022, he received a special pardon from President Yoon Suk-yeol, which canceled the remaining years of his sentence.