Lee Myung-bak
Lee Myung-bak
Lee Myung-bakis a South Korean politician and businessman who served as the 10th President of South Korea from 25 February 2008 to 25 February 2013. Before his election as president, he was the CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction, as well as the mayor of Seoul from 1 July 2002, to 30 June 2006. He is married to Kim Yoon-ok and has three daughters and one son. His older brother, Lee Sang-deuk, is a South Korean politician. He attends the...
NationalitySouth Korean
ProfessionWorld Leader
Date of Birth19 December 1941
humble people serve
I will serve the people in a very humble way.
among call numerous
Just to take a couple steps back historically, Korea, as you can see, is located among what we call big countries. And historically we've always been the victim of numerous invasions and whatnot.
engage good korea opportunity reforms regime strengthen struck structure
Fortunately, when Korea was struck by the 1997/8 financial crisis, that was a good opportunity for us to engage in fundamental reforms and strengthen our financial structure. As a result, our financial regulatory structure and regime have been very much strengthened.
future japan
I think within Japan there is talk about how there is the need to reassess the future of the U.S.-Japan alliance.
believe both
I do believe that both countries, China and Russia, that both of them are responsible countries.
agreed countries
First of all, I think all countries in the world have agreed it is not in anyone's interest to test-fire a missile, or whatever its is.
banks capital credit good high talking
Talking about Korea, it has pretty high capital ratios at banks and maintains a good credit rating.
framework koreans north pursue time
The North Koreans have gained, or bought, a lot of time through the six-party-talks framework to pursue their own agenda.
assumed believe build entering koreans north phase rather relationship since time trying
Yes, I don't believe that the inter-Korean relationship has, quote, 'deteriorated' since I assumed office. Rather I believe that the relationship between the two Koreas is entering into a new phase - a time of transition. And so I think that the North Koreans are trying to see what they can build with this, with my new administration.
behind born future initiative leave nuclear president prosperous summit
The Nuclear Security Summit was President Obama's initiative born out of his vision to leave behind a safer, more prosperous world for the future generation.
alliance believe further future hope including korean people states staunch united
Including myself, the majority of the Korean people believe in this staunch alliance between Korea and the United States and all of us hope that our traditional alliance will be further strengthened in the future.
companies corporate encourages environment invest lower
I plan to lower corporate taxes to create an environment that encourages companies to invest more.
blow crises dealing fiscal
Fiscal crises often turn into financial crises, dealing a blow to the real economy.
global korea lessons rather republic taken
With the lessons taken from the financial crisis in 1997, the Republic of Korea has been able to surmount the global economic crisis rather successfully.