Date of Birth: December 19, 1941
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Biography
Lee Myung-bak is a South Korean politician and businessman who served as the 10th President of South Korea from 2008 to 2013. He was born in Osaka, Japan, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, and after World War II, his family returned to their homeland. Lee grew up in poverty and worked his way through school, eventually earning a degree in Business Administration from Korea University. He joined Hyundai Engineering and Construction in 1965 and rapidly ascended the corporate ladder, ultimately becoming the company’s CEO. Lee entered politics in the 1990s, serving as the mayor of Seoul from 2002 to 2006 before his presidency. His tenure as president was marked by significant economic policies and controversial decisions, including a focus on developing South Korea’s infrastructure and controversial relations with North Korea. After his presidency, Lee faced legal issues and was sentenced to prison for corruption and embezzlement charges, which significantly affected his legacy.
5 Interesting Facts about Lee Myung-bak
1. Lee Myung-bak was born in Osaka, Japan, and his family moved back to South Korea after World War II.
2. He became the CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction at the age of 35.
3. Lee Myung-bak was known as the “Bulldozer” for his decisive and forceful leadership style.
4. During his presidency, he initiated the Four Major Rivers Project, aimed at improving water management and preventing floods.
5. He was the first South Korean president to visit Uzbekistan, focusing on energy and economic cooperation.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lee Myung-bak
1. “Economic growth itself is not enough. We need a fair society where the fruits of wealth are shared.”
2. “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
3. “To build a strong nation, we must strive for a balance between development and the environment.”
4. “Transparency and accountability are the foundations of good governance.”
5. “Our future depends on how we educate our children today.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, Lee Myung-bak’s net worth was estimated to be around $23 million.
Children
Lee Myung-bak has four children: two sons, Si-hyung and Si-ju, and two daughters, Ju-yeon and Soo-yeon.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Lee Myung-bak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Myung-bak
2. [BBC News – Profile: Lee Myung-bak](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-13267670
