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5-28

Mars: Okay, so I keep hearing about this Lee Jae-myung guy in South Korea. Apparently, he went from working in some factory to almost becoming president. How crazy is that?

Mia: Seriously crazy! Lee Jae-myung's story is like something out of a movie. Grew up super poor in the mountains, skipped middle school, started working in a factory at thirteen, even messed up his arm pretty bad in an accident. And still, he managed to become the top of his law class on a scholarship.

Mars: Wait, he actually lost part of his arm as a kid? That's brutal! And he still powered through law school?

Mia: Yeah, can you imagine? At 13, most kids are worried about what they're gonna eat for dinner. He's like, Okay, I'll become a lawyer. And he did! Became a human rights lawyer, defending the little guy. Total underdog story.

Mars: So how did he go from fighting cases in court to becoming a mayor and then a governor? That seems like a big jump.

Mia: Well, in 2010, he barely squeezed into the mayor's office in Seongnam. But people loved him because he was no-nonsense. He'd do these digital town halls, surprise inspections at schools, all that stuff. By 2018, he was running Gyeonggi Province, which is the biggest province in South Korea.

Mars: And then Covid hit, right? Was he in charge then?

Mia: Exactly. He started giving out these universal relief checks, basically consolation prizes for everyone stuck at home. Some people said it was too expensive, but it made people feel like they weren't forgotten. Like tossing a life raft to people drowning.

Mars: I can see why he's popular. But isn't he also kind of controversial? I heard something about scandals.

Mia: Oh, definitely. There's been stuff about drunk driving, family drama, even whispers of an affair. Pure tabloid gold. And he's also fighting corruption and false-statement charges connected to his 2022 campaign.

Mars: Sounds like a mess. How do all those legal battles affect him now?

Mia: It's like he's juggling chainsaws. If he gets convicted, he could be barred from holding office. But the courts gave him a delay, so the trial will happen after the election. Big gamble: win first, fight the verdict later.

Mars: Wow, high-stakes poker. So, is he the ultimate underdog success story, or just another politician with too much baggage?

Mia: Depends on who you ask. His supporters see him as a rebel, tearing down the system. His critics see him as reckless and legally compromised. Either way, his story definitely gets people talking. Factory worker turned almost-president, walking a tightrope between justice and public opinion.

Mars: Sounds like things are gonna be interesting in South Korea for a while. Thanks for filling me in!

Mia: No problem, always happy to dive into some real-life political drama.

Outline

Lee Jae-myung's Rise: Lee Jae-myung has emerged as a frontrunner for South Korea's presidency after a constitutional crisis involving former President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to invoke martial law.
Controversial Figure: Lee is a divisive figure due to his rags-to-riches story and bullish political style. He is seen as an outsider who challenges the status quo with progressive reform attempts.
Humble Origins: Born in a mountain village in 1963, Lee worked as a factory worker after skipping middle school due to his family's circumstances. He suffered an industrial accident at age 13, permanently injuring his arm. He later studied law on a full scholarship and became a human rights lawyer.
Political Career: Lee was elected mayor of Seongnam in 2010 and governor of Gyeonggi Province in 2018. He gained acclaim for his response to the Covid-19 pandemic, advocating for universal relief grants. He lost the 2022 presidential election by a narrow margin.
Scandals: Lee's career has been marred by scandals, including a drink driving incident, disputes with relatives, and allegations of an extramarital affair. He also faces ongoing legal cases related to corruption and false statements during his last presidential campaign.
Assassination Attempt: In January 2024, Lee survived a stabbing attack. He now campaigns behind bulletproof glass and wears a bulletproof vest.
Political Polarization: The attack highlighted the deepening political polarization in South Korea. Some claim Lee fueled this problem by blocking motions by Yoon's government.
Opportunity in Crisis: Yoon's declaration of martial law served as a catalyst for Lee's emergence as a leading presidential candidate. Lee protested the declaration and helped pass a resolution to lift martial law. Yoon was later impeached.
Legal Battles: Lee's legal troubles continue, with a verdict pending on charges of making false statements. If convicted, he could be barred from running for president.
Future Uncertain: The courts approved Lee's request to postpone his legal hearings until after the election, raising the possibility that he could be convicted after winning the presidency

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