South korean president biography project

(1953-)

Who Is Moon Jae-in?

Moon Jae-in is a South Korean politician who currently serves as the President of South Korea. After spending his early years in poverty, he became a leader of student demonstrations while attending Kyung Hee University, and after two decades as a human rights lawyer, he joined the administration of President Roh Moo-hyun in 2002.

Moon launched his own political career as a national assemblyman in 2012. Following the scandal that brought down his predecessor, Park Geun-hye, Moon was elected President of the Republic of Korea in May 2017.

Early Years

Moon Jae-in was born on Geoje Island, South Korea, on January 24, 1953.

His parents, who had fled the North Korean communist regime, struggled to keep the family out of poverty; Moon has recounted the tale of being strapped to his mother's back as she sold eggs to make ends meet.

Despite the hardship, Moon proved a bright child, and he was accepted into the prestigious Gyeongnam Middle Sc