Lee Myung-bak

Lee Myung-bak is the current president of South Korea. A member of the Grand National Party and former mayor of Seoul, Lee Myung-bak has tried to focus his presidency on economic stimulus and development, establishing a free trade agreement with the United States, and improving ties with North Korea. On the issue of North Korea he has suggested a departure of South Korean policy tradition by encouraging investment instead of aid. He has stated a goal of 6% annual economic growth and proposed a massive public works project to jump start the economy. Lee Myung-bak has been criticized for pro-Christian and anti-Buddhist statements and actions.

Myung-bak replaced his top economic aides on January 19, 2009, in an effort to reinstate public trust during an economic crisis which many believe to have been the result of shoddy leadership.

1. Establishing a free trade agreement with the United States
2. Achieve 6% annual economic growth
3. Stimulate the economy with the massive Grand Korean Waterway
4. Improve relations with North Korea
5. Supports investment, as opposed to aid, in North Korea

• Google News: Lee Myung-bak

• Angus Reid: Lee's GNP Set for Victory in South Korea (April 8, 2008)

• Agence France-Presse: SKorea's Lee Calls for Better Ties (April 8, 2008)

• World Politics Review: Seoul Shouldn't Overreact to North Korean Bluster (April 8, 2008)

• Yonhap News: Lee Voices Expectations for U.S.-N.K. Talks (April 8, 2008)

• The Korea Times: Lee Sued for Election Law Violation (April 6, 2008)

• Digital Chosunilbo: N.Korea Denounces 'Traitor' Lee Myung-bak (April 2, 2008)