Lee Jae-myung’s New Government: Why Doing the Opposite of Yoon Suk-yeol Might Be Korea’s Boldest Political Strategy

A New Era: Lee Jae-myung’s Presidency Begins Amid Unprecedented Political Upheaval

Did you know? Lee Jae-myung’s inauguration as South Korea’s 21st president on June 4, 2025, came right after a period of political turmoil, with the previous administration ending in an emergency declaration and impeachment. This turbulent backdrop has made national stability and the restoration of constitutional order Lee’s top priorities. Unlike the usual transition with a presidential transition committee, Lee had to get to work immediately, pushing for swift policy action and rapid cabinet formation. Early signs point to a pragmatic approach, with experienced lawmakers and trusted aides filling key positions, aiming to maximize policy efficiency and political control. This urgency reflects both the country’s expectations for stability and the risks of launching a government without the usual preparation time.

Cabinet Choices: Stability Over Surprise, Experience Over Experimentation

Lee’s cabinet picks are making headlines for their predictability. Instead of shocking appointments, Lee has opted for stability, relying on veteran lawmakers and close associates. For example, Kim Min-seok, a seasoned lawmaker, was named Prime Minister—a move seen as safe compared to earlier rumors about more controversial figures. The appointment of Kang Hoon-sik, a younger figure as chief of staff, drew attention primarily for his age, but even this was expected given his close relationship with Lee. The overall trend? Lee is building a team of loyalists and proven administrators, signaling a break from the risk-taking style of previous governments. This approach is meant to ensure smooth policy rollout and minimize political friction, especially in the early days of his administration.

Policy Reversals: Labor, Gender, and Social Welfare Take Center Stage

Have you noticed the policy shift? Lee’s administration is quickly moving away from the labor and social policies of Yoon Suk-yeol. Under Yoon, labor reforms were seen as anti-worker, with crackdowns on unions and controversial working hour proposals. Lee, by contrast, has promised to protect labor rights, ban exploitative wage systems, and introduce a shorter workweek. He’s also pledged to overhaul the Ministry of Gender Equality, expanding it into a ‘Ministry of Gender Equality and Family’ rather than abolishing it as Yoon had planned. This new ministry will focus on combating digital sex crimes and dating violence, and Lee has emphasized the importance of appointing more women to cabinet positions, though the pool of female talent in his immediate circle remains limited. These policy reversals are at the heart of Lee’s strategy to rebuild public trust and address long-standing social grievances.

Pragmatism Over Promises: Fewer, More Achievable National Tasks

Lee’s government is all about cutting down on empty promises. Remember how past administrations would roll out hundreds of pledges, only to achieve a fraction? Lee has slashed his campaign’s 247 policy tasks down to just 100, focusing on what’s actually doable. This ‘choice and concentration’ strategy is meant to ensure that only realistic, well-funded projects get government attention. Lee’s track record as mayor and governor—where he achieved over 90% of his pledges—gives credibility to this approach. The message is clear: less is more, and only practical, impactful reforms will move forward. This shift is winning cautious praise from policy analysts and some community voices, who are tired of political grandstanding and want results.

Community Reactions: Divided and Passionate, Online and Off

Korean online communities are buzzing with debate over Lee’s approach. On female-dominated forums, Lee’s election is celebrated as a historic moment, with users praising his working-class background and resilience. Comments highlight his status as the first president without a high school diploma, and his lifelong fight against adversity. On male-dominated boards, reactions are more skeptical, focusing on Lee’s inability to win an outright majority and scrutinizing the backgrounds of his appointees. Some users express shock at the opposition’s poor performance, while others grudgingly respect Lee’s consolidation of power. Pro-Yoon communities, meanwhile, are in disarray, with many members leaving group chats and airing grievances about the election outcome. This polarization reflects deeper generational and gender divides in Korean society, which Lee’s administration will need to navigate carefully.

Cultural Context: Why ‘Doing the Opposite’ Matters in Korean Politics

Foreign readers might wonder: why is ‘doing the opposite of Yoon’ such a big deal? In Korea, political leadership is often defined by sharp contrasts between administrations. Yoon Suk-yeol’s presidency was marked by secrecy, confrontation with the media and opposition, and a series of scandals that eroded public trust. His handling of crises—like the Itaewon disaster and various corruption cases—was widely criticized for being defensive and divisive. Lee’s advisers argue that simply reversing Yoon’s approach—by being transparent, inclusive, and willing to engage with critics—could restore faith in government. This ‘reverse Yoon’ strategy isn’t just about policy; it’s about style, communication, and the willingness to listen. For international observers, understanding this dynamic is key to grasping the stakes of Korean democracy in 2025.

Looking Forward: Challenges and the Road Ahead

Lee Jae-myung’s presidency faces enormous challenges: a sluggish economy, persistent youth unemployment, and a deeply divided society. While his early moves signal a commitment to stability and reform, the real test will come when controversies inevitably arise. Lee’s supporters hope his focus on dialogue, inclusion, and practical policy will avoid the pitfalls that doomed his predecessor. But critics warn that the political minefield of appointments, possible corruption scandals, and opposition attacks could quickly sap his momentum. The coming months will reveal whether Lee’s ‘opposite strategy’ is enough to heal Korea’s wounds—or whether deeper changes are needed.

What Global Fans and Observers Should Watch

For international fans of Korean culture and politics, Lee’s presidency is a case study in how a society recovers from political crisis. The fierce online debates, the focus on labor and gender issues, and the high expectations for pragmatic leadership all reflect broader trends in Korean society. As Lee tries to chart a new course, global observers will be watching to see if his ‘reverse Yoon’ approach can deliver real change—or if Korea’s political divides will prove too deep to bridge.