Lee Jae-myung Selected as One of Time’s '100 Most Influential People of the Year'

Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has been named in Time magazine's '100 Most Influential People of the Year' list.

On the 16th (local time), the leaders section of the Time 100 list included major political figures from around the world, such as U.S. President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Argentine President Javier Milei, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, alongside former Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee.

Time Editor Charlie Campbell introduced Lee, stating, "Lee's political rise has not been easy. Born the fifth of seven siblings in a rural family, he walked 10 miles (about 16 km) daily to attend elementary school and later suffered a serious wrist injury from a press machine while working in a factory as a minor."

He also mentioned, "After serving as both a mayor and governor, he lost to Yoon Seok-yeol in the 2022 presidential election, and two years later, he suffered a neck stabbing accident (in Busan's Gadeok Island)."

Regarding Lee's candidacy for the 21st presidential election, he remarked, "Lee Jae-myung's unexpected actions could culminate in his assuming the presidency of South Korea. Considering the hardships he has already overcome, the likelihood of him being defeated is almost nonexistent."

Blackpink's Rosé Named in 'Pioneers' Category

Rosé (real name Park Chae-young, 28), from the girl group Blackpink, which sparked a global 'APT.' craze, has also been selected for the Time 100.

Selected in the 'Pioneers' category, Rosé recently achieved global hits with the song 'APT.' in collaboration with pop star Bruno Mars.

Actress Lily Collins expressed her admiration for Rosé, saying, "As a fan of Blackpink, I was truly happy to sit next to Rosé at last year's Saint Laurent show in Paris. Even amid the chaos of cameras and audiences, Rosé was incredibly warm and calm. We became closer afterward."

She continued, "Rosé is not only a dynamic performer but also a songwriter. It's astonishing that as a member of one of the world's top girl groups and as a solo artist, she can captivate audiences in performance venues."

She added, "Rosé is truly an icon and a boss. Her voice is incredibly powerful and the music is so much fun. I love every bit of her spirit. I'm proud of everything she has achieved over the past year and feel so lucky to call her a friend."

Meanwhile, Time has selected and announced 100 individuals or organizations that have made the most notable changes in the world every year since 2004.

Since 2020, South Koreans who have been selected include former President Yoon Seok-yeol in 2022, 'Squid Game' director Hwang Dong-hyuk, actress Youn Yuh-jung in 2021, and former Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Commissioner Jeong Eun-kyeong and filmmaker Bong Joon-ho in 2020.

This selection reaffirms the growing recognition of South Korea's political and cultural influence on the global stage.

In particular, former Representative Lee Jae-myung is evaluated as a leader gaining attention on the international stage despite domestic political controversies, while Rosé has established her independent influence in the global music market beyond K-Pop.

Image Source: Time