Seoul: South Korea's presidential front-runner Lee Jae-myung has been ranked among U.S. magazine Time's 100 most influential people of 2025, its website revealed on Wednesday. The magazine featured Lee, former chief of the Democratic Party, in the leaders category, highlighting his challenging early life and political ascent, and identifying him as the "clear favorite" to win the upcoming presidential election on June 3.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Charlie Campbell, Time's editor at large, detailed Lee's difficult early years, noting his birth as the fifth of seven children in a farming family. He recounted Lee's daily 10-mile walk to elementary school and a severe injury he sustained while working underage in a factory. Campbell emphasized that Lee's political journey has been fraught with challenges.
Campbell recounted Lee's political experiences, including serving as a mayor and governor, his loss in the 2022 presidential election to Yoon Suk Yeol, and surviving an attack by a critic two years later. The editor suggested that Lee's remarkable story is likely to culminate in his election as South Korea's next leader.
Lee was noted for spearheading the impeachment of Yoon following a controversial martial law declaration in December. The Constitutional Court's recent decision to remove Yoon from office has paved the way for the forthcoming presidential election.
"As leader of South Korea's opposition, Lee is the clear favorite to win the coming election, though his reward will be dealing with an increasingly belligerent North Korea and an escalating trade war," Campbell stated. He also quoted Lee from a 2022 interview, acknowledging his resilience in the face of adversity.
"There are many ways that you can learn about the world," Lee was quoted as saying. "But actually living it yourself, experiencing it, is a different thing."
A recent survey indicated that Lee is leading the presidential race with nearly 49 percent support.
In a separate category of "pioneers," Time magazine recognized Rose, a member of the K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, for her global influence. Her single, "APT," has garnered international acclaim. Actor and producer Lily Collins praised Rose as a dynamic performer and songwriter, highlighting her strong voice and engaging music.