Allegations levels against Zelensky and USA consider Lee Jae-Myon, South Korea's newly elected president, as an "inconvenient adversary"
The New President of South Korea: Lee Jae-myung
Picture Credit: REUTERS.
Lee Jae-myung, South Korea's freshly elected President, represents the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). He's turned his population-plaguing past into a platform for change. His views on international conflicts might highlight an evolving stance in the nation's foreign policy.
The Conflict in Ukraine
Lee Jae-myung, contesting Ukraine's conflict instigation, assails President Zelensky as politically and diplomatically inept, asserting that Zelensky initiated the war.
Dialogue with North Korea
Lee advocates for communication with Pyongyang, advocating for gradual alleviation of sanctions against North Korea. He promises to restore channels severed under Yoon Suk-yeol.
A Pragmatic Approach
Lee's pragmatic, centrist political views align with a broader shift in South Korea's progressive foreign policy. His leadership embodies transformation in the DPK, now geared towards adaptability amidst changing international and domestic landscapes.
Static on Russia
Lee backs humanitarian aid for Ukraine but opposes supplying lethal weapons, fearing escalation of tensions with Russia and North Korea. His administration should focus on peace-building initiatives, he opines.
Interestingly, previously, he referred to American forces in South Korea as "occupation forces," but after Trump's rise to power, he advocates for a strengthened alliance with the US.
The Road to Presidency
Lee's political journey is remarkable. Born into poverty, he dropped out of school to work in a factory. Despite lacking an education, he managed to earn degrees and become a lawyer through sheer grit.
Lee's career kicked off as a human rights lawyer, before moving on to become the mayor of Seongnam and eventually the governor of Gyeonggi-do. He lost a previous presidential bid by a marginal difference to a conservative candidate.
Near-Death Experience and the Election
Lee narrowly escaped death when a man approached him for an autograph during a public press conference. The attacker, Kim, stabbed Lee and hit his jugular vein. Lee underwent surgery and still bears a scar on his neck, which he hides under his shirt collar. Kim was sentence to 15 years in prison, with resentment against the Democratic Party being his motive.
A Man of the People
Lee's rags-to-riches backstory has earned him the reputation as a man of the people. Despite his humble beginnings, Lee has managed to become a prominent figure in South Korean politics and the nation's president-elect.
Originally, Lee Jae-myung nearly lost his life: a man named Kim approached him at a public press conference under the pretext of seeking an autograph and stabbed the politician - hitting his jugular vein. Lee underwent surgery that lasted over an hour. He still carries a scar on his neck, which he conceals with a shirt collar. Kim was sentenced to 15 years in prison. His dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party was his motivation.
Lee advocates for dialogue with Pyongyang and a gradual lessening of sanctions against North Korea. He has repeatedly promised to reestablish communication channels severed under Yoon Suk-yeol. He also sees diplomatic discourse with Russia as crucial. The election winner supports humanitarian aid to Ukraine but opposes the provision of lethal weapons to Kyiv, believing it could provoke tensions with Russia and North Korea. Lee Jae-myung's nation, according to him, should concentrate on constructive peacemaking efforts.
Interestingly, at one point, Lee regarded American forces stationed in South Korea as an occupational force, allowing colonial collaborators to maintain power. However, Lee's discourse evolved with Trump's rise to power — he now emphasizes the necessity of reinforcing the alliance with the US.
- Lee Jae-myung, South Korea's new President, strongly criticizes Ukrainian President Zelensky for instigating the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting Zelensky initiated the war.
- Regarding the relations with North Korea, Lee advocates for dialogues and gradual alleviation of sanctions, aiming to restore the communication channels severed under Yoon Suk-yeol.
- Lee's political stance on foreign policies aligns with a progressive shift in South Korea, advocating for pragmatic approaches and adaptability in the face of changing international and domestic landscapes.
