Lee Jae-myung
Lee Jae-myung is a South Korean politician and the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. He previously served as governor of Gyeonggi Province and was the party's candidate in the 2022 presidential election, which he lost to Yoon Suk-yeol. A leading figure on the liberal side of South Korean politics, he advocates for engagement with North Korea and for progressive socioeconomic reforms.
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South Korea recalls ambassador from Ukraine over POW-transfer dispute and fuel-sanctions row
South Korea's Foreign Ministry announced on 8 October that it is recalling its ambassador to Ukraine, Park Ki-chan, amid a diplomatic dispute over the public disclosure of the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers. The dispute escalated after South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Kyiv's apology did not meet expectations; Ukraine denies an apology was offered. A separate row has erupted over Ukrainian accusations, based on a Guardian report, that South Korea shipped more than 176,000 tonnes of fuel to Russia on sanctioned tankers — claims Seoul rejects.