Lee Selected in Leaders Category Alongside Trump
BLACKPINK's Ros? Named in 'Pioneers' Category
Former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, has been selected as one of Time magazine's '100 Most Influential People of the Year' (Time 100). BLACKPINK member Ros? was also included.
On the 16th (local time), Lee was named in the 'Leaders' category of the Time 100 list announced by Time magazine, alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO and U.S. presidential advisor Elon Musk, and Argentine President Javier Milei. A total of 22 individuals were selected in the Leaders category.
Charlie Campbell, an editor at Time who wrote about Lee's selection, introduced his background by stating, "Lee Jae-myung was born as the fifth of seven siblings in a rural farming family and walked 10 miles daily to and from elementary school. He worked as a child laborer and suffered a disability in his arm." He continued, "After serving as mayor and governor, he lost the 2022 presidential election to former President Yoon Seok-youl and was stabbed by a radical individual two years later," outlining his political career.
Editor Campbell added, "Last year, during former President Yoon's martial law, Lee live-streamed himself breaking through police barricades and climbing the National Assembly fence to lift the martial law," calling him "a leading figure in the impeachment of former President Yoon." He wrote, "This dramatic life trajectory seems likely to culminate in him becoming South Korea's next leader."
Campbell also evaluated, "Lee Jae-myung is clearly a strong contender to win the upcoming presidential election," and predicted that if Lee becomes president, "his 'challenge' will be dealing with North Korea, which is becoming increasingly aggressive, and the escalating trade war." This implies that North Korean issues and 'Trump-era tariffs' will be major national challenges if Lee assumes the presidency. However, considering the challenges he has already overcome, Campbell assessed that "there is little chance Lee will be intimidated."
Additionally, BLACKPINK member Ros?, who took the world by storm with the song "APT." (Apartment) released with pop star Bruno Mars, was named in the 'Pioneers' category. Actress Lily Collins, who selected Ros?, wrote, "She is a highly dynamic performer and songwriter," adding, "I think it's amazing that she can captivate audiences filling venues both as a member of a world-class girl group and as a solo artist."
Collins said, "She is basically an icon and a boss herself," and "Her voice is really strong, and her music is very fun." She continued, "I love Ros?'s spirit and everything about her," adding, "I am proud of everything she has achieved over the past year." Alongside this, Korean-American actor Daniel Dae Kim (Korean name Kim Dae-hyun), known for his role in the American drama 'Lost,' was included in the 'Artists' category of the Time 100, and actress Demi Moore, who is experiencing a second peak in her career after winning the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Best Actress, was included in the 'Icons' category.
Since 2004, Time magazine has annually selected and announced 100 individuals or groups who have most prominently changed the world. Among Korean political leaders, former President Yoon Seok-youl was included shortly after his inauguration in May 2022, although Time described him at the time as a "populist." President Moon Jae-in was selected in 2018, and President Park Geun-hye in 2013.
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