South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung Marks 100 Days in Office with Growth Vision
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held a press conference at the Blue House Guest House on September 11, 2025, marking his 100th day in office with a bold declaration: "The past 100 days have been a time of recovery and normalization, and the remaining 4 years and 9 months will be a time of growth and advancement." The 90-minute press conference, attended by 152 domestic and international journalists, outlined his administration's comprehensive policy vision under the theme "100 Days of Recovery, Growth for the Future."
For American readers unfamiliar with South Korean politics, Lee Jae-myung represents a unique case in democratic transitions. Unlike typical U.S. presidential inaugurations that follow scheduled elections, Lee assumed office on June 4, 2025, at 6:21 AM following the impeachment of his predecessor—a process somewhat similar to how Gerald Ford became president after Nixon's resignation, though through South Korea's constitutional framework rather than vice-presidential succession.
A Narrow Victory with Broad Ambitions
Lee's path to the presidency was far from certain. He secured victory with 17,287,513 votes (49.42% of the total), defeating conservative candidate Kim Moon-soo (41.15%)—a margin reminiscent of several close U.S. presidential elections, including Biden's 2020 victory over Trump. The Central Election Commission's declaration at exactly 6:21 AM on June 4 marked the official beginning of his five-year term, making him South Korea's 21st president.
The timing of his presidency is particularly significant for American foreign policy interests. Lee's administration arrives at a crucial moment when U.S.-South Korea relations face complex challenges, from managing North Korean nuclear threats to coordinating responses to China's growing influence in the region. His first 100 days have been characterized by efforts to strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance while maintaining South Korea's economic relationships with China—a balancing act that parallels America's own strategic challenges in Asia.
Approval Ratings Reflect Divided Nation
Lee's approval ratings during his first 100 days have fluctuated between 50-60%, showing patterns familiar to American political observers. During personnel controversies and inter-party conflicts, his ratings dropped to the mid-50s, similar to how American presidents experience polling declines during cabinet confirmation battles or congressional standoffs. However, successful economic policies, diplomatic achievements, and disaster response efforts pushed his approval back up to the mid-60s, demonstrating the volatile nature of modern democratic politics.
For American readers, this approval range is notably higher than typical U.S. presidential ratings during comparable periods. The difference reflects South Korea's multi-party system and different polling methodologies, but also suggests a cautious optimism among South Koreans about their new leader's direction.
Key Appointments and Political Tensions
On September 11, President Lee announced the nominations of Wi Cheol-hwan as Central Election Commissioner and Lee Seok-yeon as Chairman of the National Unity Committee. Wi Cheol-hwan's appointment is particularly noteworthy for American readers interested in legal and institutional connections: he and President Lee were classmates during both their bar examinations and judicial training—a relationship similar to how Supreme Court justices or federal judges in the U.S. often share professional histories that influence their appointments.
Wi, 67, brings over 30 years of legal experience, having served as the first directly elected president of the Korean Bar Association and president of the Gyeonggi Central Bar Association. His nomination reflects Lee's strategy of appointing experienced legal professionals to key institutional positions, similar to how U.S. presidents prioritize legal expertise for positions like Attorney General or Supreme Court nominations.
Political tensions continue to simmer, however. Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik strongly rebutted claims by People Power Party emergency committee chairman Song Un-seok regarding alleged government demands for increased U.S. investment from South Korean conglomerate leaders. Kang dismissed these allegations as "clear falsehoods and baseless political attacks," highlighting the contentious political atmosphere that characterizes South Korean democracy—not unlike the partisan tensions familiar to American political observers between Democrats and Republicans.
Opposition Party Crisis and Special Prosecutor Investigation
The political landscape is further complicated by the Fatherland Innovation Party facing its biggest crisis since its founding due to internal conflicts triggered by sexual misconduct controversies. Former leader Cho Kuk is expected to be appointed as emergency committee chairman on September 11, a move that parallels how American political parties sometimes turn to experienced figures during internal crises—similar to how party leaders rally around senior figures during scandals or electoral defeats.
Meanwhile, Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja decided not to respond to a special prosecutor's summons scheduled for September 11, marking her second refusal to appear for investigation. For American readers, this situation resembles high-profile figures in U.S. politics who have refused congressional subpoenas or special counsel investigations, though South Korea's special prosecutor system operates somewhat differently from America's special counsel appointments.
International Crisis Management
On the international front, President Lee's administration successfully managed a diplomatic crisis involving South Korean workers detained at a Hyundai-LG Energy Solution battery plant construction site in Georgia, USA. A chartered flight departed from Incheon International Airport on September 10 to bring back the detained workers, who were expected to be released on September 10 (local time) and return to South Korea on September 11.
This incident highlights the global nature of South Korean business operations and the complex diplomatic challenges that arise when Korean workers face legal issues abroad. For American readers, this situation illustrates how economic partnerships between allies can create unexpected diplomatic complications—similar to how American companies operating overseas sometimes require State Department intervention when employees face legal troubles abroad.
Looking Forward: Economic and Political Implications
President Lee's 100-day press conference represents more than a ceremonial milestone; it signals his administration's commitment to transparent governance and regular public communication—practices that American democracy values highly. The issuance of a commemorative stamp on September 11 to mark his 100th day demonstrates the government's emphasis on public engagement and symbolic presidency, concepts familiar to American political tradition.
For American policymakers and business leaders, Lee's emphasis on "growth and advancement" over the remaining 4 years and 9 months of his term suggests continued opportunities for U.S.-South Korea economic cooperation. His administration's focus on new growth engines, employment, real estate, and stock market measures could create favorable conditions for American investment and trade partnerships.
The success or failure of Lee's vision will significantly impact not only South Korea's domestic trajectory but also its role as America's key ally in Northeast Asia. As the region faces growing security challenges and economic uncertainties, the stability and effectiveness of Lee's government becomes increasingly important for American strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
Original Korean article: https://trendy.storydot.kr/politics-news-sep11/
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