Despite lawsuits, scandals, and even a near-fatal stabbing, Lee Jae-myung has risen from poverty to become the leading candidate in South Korea’s upcoming presidential election. A former factory worker who overcame injury and hardship to become a lawyer, Lee built his political career as Seongnam mayor and Gyeonggi Province governor.He narrowly lost the 2022 presidential race, but returned to the spotlight after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached over a failed martial law attempt. Lee, who helped block the move, now leads in polls against conservative rival Kim Moon-soo.Lee faces ongoing legal challenges, including corruption and election law charges, which he denies as politically driven. If elected, the cases would be paused during his term due to presidential immunity. He has pledged to boost South Korea’s AI industry and hold those behind the martial law attempt accountable.