Lee Myung-bak

Lee Myung-bak is a South Korean politician and business executive who served as the tenth president of South Korea from 2008 to 2013. Often referred to by his initials MB, he is known for his pragmatic, results-driven approach and his nickname "The Bulldozer." Before entering politics, he built a distinguished career as CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction, contributing to South Korea's industrial growth.

As mayor of Seoul from 2002 to 2006, he gained national prominence for urban renewal projects, most notably the restoration of the Cheonggyecheon stream. His presidency was marked by a hardline stance toward North Korea and efforts to strengthen regional ties, including hosting the 2010 G-20 Seoul summit. After leaving office, he faced legal troubles and was convicted of corruption, but received a special pardon in 2022.

Today, Lee remains a public figure, occasionally engaging in political commentary and meetings with students and politicians. He is married to Kim Yoon-ok and has four children. [edit]

Lee Myung-bak was born on December 19, 1941, in Osaka, Japan, during the Japanese occupation of Korea. His family returned to Korea after liberation, and he grew up in poverty. He worked his way through school, eventually graduating from Korea University with a degree in business.

In 1965, he joined Hyundai Engineering and Construction, where he quickly rose through the ranks. By the 1970s, he was leading major projects, including the construction of highways and shipyards, which were central to South Korea's rapid industrialization. His reputation as a decisive and hardworking executive earned him the nickname "The Bulldozer." He became CEO in the 1980s, a position he held until entering politics in the 1990s.

Lee's business success made him a prominent figure in South Korean society, but his political ambitions were not realized until he ran for mayor of Seoul in 2002. [edit]

Lee Myung-bak's political career took off with his election as mayor of Seoul in 2002. His administration was defined by major infrastructure projects, including the restoration of the Cheonggyecheon stream, which removed an elevated highway and created a public park. This project was widely praised and boosted his national profile.

In 2007, he won the presidency as the candidate of the Grand National Party, taking office in February 2008. His presidency focused on economic revitalization and a tougher stance on North Korea. He also sought to strengthen ties with major powers, hosting the G-20 summit in Seoul in 2010, a first for an Asian country outside Japan.

After leaving office in 2013, Lee's legacy was overshadowed by legal troubles. In 2018, he was arrested on charges of bribery and embezzlement, convicted, and sentenced to prison. He was released in 2022 after a special pardon from President Yoon Suk-yeol. [edit]

Lee Myung-bak's public image is that of a decisive, no-nonsense leader, earning him the nickname "The Bulldozer." He is often seen as a pragmatic problem-solver, a trait that resonated with voters during his mayoral and presidential campaigns.

In the media, he has been portrayed as a conservative who prioritized economic growth over social welfare. His hardline stance on North Korea was polarizing, with some praising his firmness and others criticizing his lack of engagement.

After his presidency, his image has been complicated by his legal troubles, yet he retains a base of supporters who view him as a victim of political persecution. [edit]

Lee Myung-bak commands a global profile defined by his tenure as the tenth president of South Korea and his earlier career as an industrial executive, maintaining recognition far beyond the Korean peninsula through historical documentation and political discourse. Despite this sustained visibility, iFANN's Global Fame Engine evaluated him in August 2026 and determined that he currently holds no placement within the published Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. Consequently, no ordinal rank or numerical score is assigned to his current standing in the world's fame hierarchy. The absence of a formal ranking reflects his status as a retired statesman rather than an active celebrity figure driving contemporary consumption metrics. His audience consists primarily of political historians, regional observers, and those tracking international governance legacies rather than a pop-culture following. There is no documented fandom name associated with Lee Myung-bak; while he retains a base of political supporters from his time leading the conservative Saenuri Party, these groups engage in traditional electoral activities rather than the organized fan rituals, streaming campaigns, or merchandise drives characteristic of modern entertainment fandoms. Interactions with the public remain formal and institutional, lacking the intimate engagement typical of idol culture or viral stars. Recent developments in 2026 highlight his continued relevance in political news cycles, particularly regarding legal proceedings and occasional confusion with current leadership figures, yet these discussions frame him as a subject of historical and legal analysis rather than a figure of fan devotion.[edit]

Lee Myung-bak is known for his love of golf and often played the sport during his presidency. He is a devout Christian and has been a member of Somang Presbyterian Church for decades. He received an honorary doctorate from Paris Diderot University in 2011 in recognition of his contributions to international cooperation. Lee has a habit of writing detailed memos to himself, a practice he developed during his business career. He is an avid reader of biographies and historical works, often citing them in speeches. During his presidency, he was known for starting his day early, often holding meetings at 7 a.m. A pervasive story about his life describes his rags-to-riches journey from working as a garbage hauler after the Korean War to becoming the CEO of Hyundai Engineering & Construction, a narrative that became central to his political branding. As mayor of Seoul, he oversaw the restoration of the Cheonggyecheon stream, replacing an elevated highway with a public park, which remains his most iconic legacy project. Following his term, he faced a significant fall from grace when convicted of bribery and embezzlement, sentenced to 17 years in prison before receiving a special pardon in mid-2026. This transition from celebrated builder to convicted criminal serves as a major cautionary tale in modern Korean political lore.[edit]

Lee Myung-bak married Kim Yoon-ok in 1970. The couple has three daughters and one son. His wife has been a supportive figure throughout his career, often accompanying him on official trips.

Lee's family has occasionally been in the spotlight. In 2026, rumors about his grandson circulated, though they were not substantiated. Lee has spoken about the importance of family values, crediting his parents for instilling a strong work ethic in him.

The family resides in Seoul, and Lee is known to be close to his children. [edit]

Kim Yoon-ok (wife), Lee Jae-myung (current president), Oh Se-hoon (Seoul mayor). [edit]

Lee Myung-bak married Kim Yoon-ok in 1970, and the couple has been together ever since. Kim has been a supportive spouse, often appearing alongside him at official events. Their marriage has been portrayed as stable and enduring, with no public scandals.

As of 2026, Lee is married to Kim Yoon-ok, and they continue to live in Seoul. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Lee Myung-bak's net worth at $25 Million as of 2026. This wealth largely stems from his long career in business, particularly his time as CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction, where he earned a substantial salary and bonuses. During his presidency, his official income was modest, but he benefited from investments and real estate holdings. After leaving office, his financial situation was complicated by legal fees and fines related to his corruption conviction. However, he still owns property in Seoul and has other assets. His net worth is believed to have remained stable in recent years, as he has not taken on major new ventures. In 2026, his estate is not a major focus, as he is alive and retired, but his business acumen continues to be a point of interest.[edit]

Lee Myung-bak received an honorary doctorate from Paris Diderot University in 2011. He also holds various honorary degrees from other institutions, though specific details are limited. [edit]