Public image of Lee Myung-bak: Difference between revisions

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	{{Merge to\|Lee Myung-bak government\|discuss=Talk:Lee Myung-bak government#Merger proposal\|date=April 2012}}
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	''']''', the President of the ], has elicited a variety of public perceptions regarding his policies, personality, and performance as a head of state. Lee has garnered a very conflicting reputation since he started career as a politician. This has contributed his mixed reputation.

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	Legal professor ] of the ] had expressed concerns through his blog how Lee Myung-bak's political clique could potentially drag down his own administration and the Grand National Party after the next presidential election due to Lee's extensive history of political-level corruptions.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Su-a (수아) \| last = Um (엄) \| title = 여소야대 되면 BBK-4대강 청문회 열릴 것 \| date = 2011-05-05 \| url = http://www.viewsnnews.com/article/view.jsp?seq=75067 \| work = Views&News \| accessdate = 2011-10-22 \| language = Korean}}</ref>
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	==Late 2011 Crisis==
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	===September 2011===
	Lee Myung-bak's political stewardship has been under scrutiny after a series of arrests of Lee's closest associates in the government.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Chang-hyeon (창현) \| last = Ahn (안) \| title = 신재민·김두우…줄줄이 엮이는 MB측근 \| date = 2011-09-22 \| url = http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/bluehouse/497557.html \| work = The Hankyeoreh \| accessdate = 2011-10-10 \| language = Korean}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| first = Jae-ho (재호) \| last = Jung (정) \| title = MB의 남자들 줄줄이 비리 의혹… 임기말 게이트 열리나 \| date = 2011-09-23 \| url = http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/society/201109/h2011092302361721950.htm \| work = Hankook Ilbo \| accessdate = 2011-10-10 \| language = Korean}}</ref> These events had brought a change of fate within the Blue House and the Grand National Party. His earlier persidential campaign promised "an administration without any scandal" and "a government that can overcome economic crises" have been suddenly continued to fail around the time of his September 20-24th 2011 trip for his speech in the United Nations Headquarter.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Weon-jun (원준) \| last = Tae (태) \| title = 98시간 비운 사이… MB 돌아오자마자 ‘내우외환’ \| date = 2011-09-25 \| url = http://news.kukinews.com/article/view.asp?page=1&gCode=kmi&arcid=0005390135&cp=du \| work = Kuki News \| accessdate = 2011-10-17 \| language = Korean}}</ref> The Blue House circle of individuals has expressed nervousness as the direct allegations against Lee have suddenly appeared in the mass media and as Lee has been initially silent on the controversies.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Dong-guk (동국) \| last = Kim (김) \| title = 잇단 측근 비리 의혹에 MB "…" \| date = 2011-09-26 \| url = http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/politics/201109/h2011092602375021080.htm \| work = Hankook Ilbo \| accessdate = 2011-10-29 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	===December 2011===
	{{See also\|DDoS attacks during the October 2011 South Korean by-election}}
	The bribery charges against the personal aide of his brother Lee Sang-deuk has speared criticism against President Lee, and the public exposures of the two ] incidents during the October 26th, 2011 by-election have also generated controversy.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Weon-jun (원준) \| last = Tae (태) \| title = 불거지는 사건마다… 靑 측근·친인척 단골 \| date = 2011-12-09 \| url = http://news.kukinews.com/article/view.asp?page=1&gCode=kmi&arcid=0005636773&cp=nv \| work = Kuki News \| accessdate = 2011-12-10 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	==Negative Image==
	He is often smeared as a "rat" by the South Korean liberals.<ref>{{cite news \| title = 제왕의 관상?… "MB 쥐, 박근혜 학, DJ 거북" \| date = 2010-10-31 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201010311029311&code=910100 \| work = Kyunghyang Sinmun \| accessdate = 2011-09-03 \| language = Korean}}<!--This news article mentioned Newsis as the author; with a photo from Newsis. It's more likely that this article is to make as anonymous as possible--></ref><ref>{{cite news \| first = Ji-sook \| last = Bae \| title = Arrest warrant for drawing rat on G20 promotion poster? \| date = 2010-11-03 \| url = http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/11/117_75731.html \| work = The Korea Times \| accessdate = 2011-09-03 \| quote = The image of a rat is often used to mock President Lee Myung-bak by liberals.}}</ref> This is contrasted from ex-president's Roh Mu-hyun's slanders. Lee's "rat" image later contributed to another online nickname, Jwibagi (쥐박이), a portmanteau of the Korean word for rat (쥐) and his name.<ref>{{cite web \| url = http://www.jayuro.kr/jayuro/culture/news_view1.asp?n_code=050&idx=50893 \| title = MB는 쥐박이가 맞다 \| accessdate = 2011-09-03 \| last = Wang (왕) \| first = Ju-seong (주성) \| work = Jayuro Forum \| language = Korean \| quote = "쥐박어"는 되고 "쥐박이"는 안돼?}}</ref> The ] ] internet domain named after his 'Jwibagi' nickname is ironically owned by the security division of the ], the ] of the President.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Yun-gyeong (윤경) \| last = Seo (서) \| title = ‘쥐박이.com’ 도메인 주인이 청와대라고? \| date = 2011-08-19 \| url = http://news.kukinews.com/article/view.asp?page=1&gCode=all&arcid=0005269630&code=41151311&cp=nv1 \| work = Kuki News \| accessdate = 2011-09-03 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	President Lee Myung Bak has several nicknames and the most famous one is "2MB" which means his brain can only contain memory or data of 2 Megabytes.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Ju-yeon (주연) \| last = Park (박) \| title = <nowiki></nowiki> 신조어 모르는 당신은 2MB! (구시대 바보) \| date = 2008-07-29 \| url = http://newsmaker.khan.co.kr/khnm.html?mode=view&code=116&artid=18032 \| work = The Weekly Kyunghyang \| accessdate = 2011-03-13 \| language = Korean}}</ref> The nickname derives from the ], in that both "Lee" and "two" are spelled the same way (이) according to the South Korean phonological convention. The MB in the name comes from "Myung Bak."

	Hosts of the popular ], ] used a the Korean word for ], ''Gaka'', as a nickname of President Lee Myung-bak.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Do-yeun \| last = Kim \| title = Korean political satire show catches global attention \| date = 2011-11-03 \| url = http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/11/116_97906.html \| work = Korea Times \| accessdate = 2012-01-08}}</ref>

	==Economic Failure==
	===Iraqi Oil Deal Failure===
	A Wikileaks document shows that despite Lee's influence during the 2009 Iraq-South Korea Submit in Seoul, the Iraqi oil deal for South Korea was made "prematurely" according to a South Korean Foreign Minister official.<ref>{{cite web \| url = http://www.wikileaks-kr.org/dokuwiki/09seoul291 \| title = US embassy cable - 09SEOUL291 IRAQI PRESIDENT TALABANI SECURES ROKG COMMITMENT TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION \| accessdate = 2011-12-03 \| publisher = ] \| language = Korean & English \| quote = .... was drafted prior to the summit meeting and released prematurely.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| first = Hae-in \| last = Shin \| title = Seoul announced Iraq oil deal prematurely \| date = 2011-09-29 \| url = http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110929000671 \| work = The Korea Herald \| accessdate = 2011-12-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| first = Jin-hyeong (진형) \| last = Park (박) \| title = "韓-이라크 유전개발 합의는 '설익은' 발표" <위키> \| date = 2011-09-29 \| url = http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/politics/2011/09/27/0501000000AKR20110927173400009.HTML \| work = Yonhap News \| accessdate = 2011-12-03 \| language = Korean}}</ref> Soon afterwards, the failure of ]'s plan to inspect oil reserves in the ], in which Lee Myung-bak personally took part in, was met with criticism from a fellow GNP member, Lee Hak-jae (이학재), on September 16, 2011.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Byeong-uk (병욱) \| last = Do (도) \| title = MB가 추진한 쿠르드 원유개발, 4억불 손실 \| date = 2011-09-16 \| url = http://www.mt.co.kr/view/mtview.php?type=1&no=2011091609004732152&outlink=1 \| work = Money Today \| accessdate = 2011-10-01 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	===2012 control of consumer prices===
	To control inflation, a new policy to limit the rising of prices was set in motion. It was enacted by after previous attempts by the Korean food agency failed to do anything about inflation and only led to wild price changes, and is considered a much more proactive rather than passive stance<ref>{{cite news \| first = Yong-ju (영주) \| last = Cho (조) \| title = http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012010814361996320 \| date = 2012-01-08 \| url = http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012010814361996320 \| work = 아시아경제 \| accessdate = 2012-01-03 \| language = Korean}}</ref>. Baek-il, professor of Commercial Distribution Studies at ], criticized President Lee's proposal of artificially controlling the prices of consumer products as "interfering the ] chains" and "unless the government gives subsidiary funds, it is impossible to control the prices".<ref>{{cite news \| first = Yong-sik (용식) \| last = Kim (김) \| title = 현실 모르는 MB… 물가 실명제 논란 \| date = 2012-01-03 \| url = http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/economy/201201/h2012010320221321500.htm \| work = Hankook Ilbo \| accessdate = 2012-01-03 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	==Ignoring Pledges==
	Lee's pledges during his elections stirred disputes after he commenced his duty as a president. There has been concerns that his national-level plans are "lameducked" except for the ] right before the mid-election starting in early 2011.<ref></ref>

	Voters in the 40s age group who voted for Lee in the 2007 presidential election had voted against the Grand National Party in the ] based usually upon the Lee's failures of implementing policies for ] citizens.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Jong-cheol (종철) \| last = Kim (김) \| title = 40대 “MB 찍었는데 좋아진 게 없었다” 여당에 배신감 \| date = 2011-10-27 \| url = http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/assembly/502840.html \| work = The Hankyoreh \| accessdate = 2011-11-19 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	===Mortgage Issues===
	There are concerns that he ignored his own campaign promise to stabilize the mortgage issues.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Cheol-ueng (철응) \| last = Park (박) \| title = `반값 아파트` 물거품.."약속 어긴 MB" \| date = 2011-04-05 \| url = http://www.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=DF13&newsid=02335366596213168&DCD=A00106&OutLnkChk=Y \| work = E-Daily \| accessdate = 2011-04-10 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	===University Tuition Policy===
	{{See also\|2011 South Korean University Tuition Crisis}}
	There has been a series of student demonstrations such as "hair-cutting protests" by university students.<ref>{{cite news \| first = 성용 (Seong-yong) \| last = 안 (An) \| title = '삭발 눈물' 한아름씨 "벼랑끝에 선 대학생 목졸라" \| date = 2009-04-13 \| url = http://www.cbs.co.kr/nocut/show.asp?idx=1119383 \| work = No Cut News \| accessdate = 2010-05-19 \| language = Korean}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| first = 수일 (Su-il) \| last = 전 (Jeon) \| title = 대학생연합, 반값 등록금 공약 李대통령 고발 \| date = 2008-10-31 \| work = Yonhap News \| accessdate = 2010-05-19 \| language = Korean}}</ref> This also brought criticisms from the opposition, the ].<ref>{{cite news \| first = 세욱 (Se-uk) \| last = 고 (Go) \| title = 반값등록금 공약은 사기다? \| date = 2008-10-31 \| url = http://news.kukinews.com/article/view.asp?page=1&gCode=pol&arcid=0921266572&code=41111111 \| work = Kuki News \| accessdate = 2010-05-19 \| language = Korean}}</ref> ], floor leader of the GNP, urged President Lee to reform the tuition policy even though there is still dispute whether the half-tuition talk was an actual promise.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Jae-gi (재기) \| last = Lee (이) \| title = 한나라 '반값 등록금' 드라이브…靑 '시큰둥·불쾌' \| date = 2011-05-25 \| url = http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/show.asp?idx=1811300 \| work = Nocut News \| accessdate = 2011-08-26 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	==Admnistration issues==

	===Pro-Americanism===
	The older brother of Lee Myung-bak, ], told ] that Lee Myung-bak was "pro-U.S. and pro-Japan to the core" during a private discussion on the free trade-related issues in 2008.<ref>{{cite web \| url = http://www.wikileaks-kr.org/dokuwiki/08seoul1087 \| title = US embassy cable - 08SEOUL1087 LEE SANG-DEUK ON BEEF, PRESIDENT LEE'S MISSTEPS \| accessdate = 2011-10-05 \| publisher = ] \| language = Korean & English \| quote = Vice Speaker Lee said that President Lee was pro-U.S. and pro-Japan to the core so there should be no questioning President Lee’s vision.}}</ref> He once said that South Koreans who hold anti-American beliefs are "a very small minority" during an NPR interview on the ].<ref>{{cite news \| first = Louisa \| last = Lim \| title = South Korean President Faces Mounting Pressures \| date = 2011-11-15 \| url = http://www.npr.org/2011/11/15/142307775/south-korean-president-faces-mounting-pressures \| work = National Public Radio \| accessdate = 2011-12-03 \| quote = "The majority of South Koreans are supportive of the . When you talk about a very small minority — a handful of those with anti-American sentiments — they are the most vocal, they tend to get very active, they are the first ones to come out on the streets and voice discontent when something happens."}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| first = Su-jin (수진) \| last = Park (박) \| title = 미 NPR 인터뷰서 MB “FTA 시위자는 극소수의 반미감정 가진 사람들” \| date = 2011-11-16 \| url = http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/politics_general/505707.html \| work = The Hankyoreh \| accessdate = 2011-12-03 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	Choi Eun-bae, a South Korean judge once criticized President Lee for being "pro-American to the core” on Facebook after Lee's leadership pressured the National Assembly to pass the KORUS Free Trade Agreement.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Suh-young \| last = Yun \| title = For civil servants, SNS private space or not? \| date = 2011-11-29 \| url = http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/11/117_99812.html \| work = Korea Times \| accessdate = 2012-01-11}}</ref>

	===CEOs vs. Politicians===
	GNP chairperson Hong Jun-pyo voiced his concerns about Lee in that "due to the fact that Lee is a former CEO, he runs the country like a business company" and "for a person who sleeps at midnight and wakes at 4am, he is not good at politics".<ref>{{cite news \| first = Byeong-han (병한) \| last = Kang (강) \| coauthors = Park Yeong-hwan (박영환) \| title = 홍준표 “이 대통령 정치 잘 못해” \| date = 2011-07-19 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201107192147495&code=910402 \| work = The Kyunghyang Shinmun \| accessdate = 2011-11-19 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	Choi Jin, a Political Science professor at ], explained his CEO-style of presidential leadership<ref>{{cite news \| first = Sun-young \| last = Lee \| title = ‘Lee failed to capture people’s hearts’ \| date = 2012-03-19 \| url = http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20120319001131 \| work = Korean Herald \| accessdate = 2012-03-24}}</ref>:
	<blockquote>In politics, a leader should be able to capture the hearts to be successful. Unfortunately, President Lee fails in this. He works hard on what he thinks is right for the country and its people, but makes little effort to explain his motives and sincerity.</blockquote>

	===Business-oriented Governance===
	Lee said that "the government's goal is to make businesses successful" during a business meeting on May 3rd, 2011.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Do-hui (도희) \| last = Gu (구) \| title = MB, 재계 만나 "기업 잘되는 게 목표"..갈등 봉합? \| date = 2011-05-03 \| url = http://www.vop.co.kr/view.php?cid=A00000389880 \| work = 민중의소리 \| accessdate = 2011-11-25 \| language = Korean}}</ref> He is supportive of ] business groups.<ref>{{cite news \| title = The chaebol conundrum \| date = 2010-03-31 \| url = http://www.economist.com/node/15816756 \| work = The Economist \| accessdate = 2012-03-30}}</ref>

	Lee vowed in 2007 to "get rid of" political and "hard-line" unions.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Jong-cheol \| last = Kim \| title = <nowiki></nowiki> What are Lee Myung-bak’s true colors? \| date = 2007-08-25 \| url = http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_editorial/231361.html \| work = The Hankyoreh \| accessdate = 2011-09-03}}</ref> However, the general labor union scene in South Korea has eventually recovered as of late 2011 from concerns of the overall ruling party and the presidential leadership. Lee Yong-deuk, the chairman of the ], mentioned that President Lee's anti-labor union policies were crucial of transforming labor unions in South Korea into politically active groups.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Eun-gyo (은교) \| last = Chang (장) \| title = 이용득 한국노총 위원장 “MB 반노동 정책이 정치세력화 계기” \| date = 2011-12-18 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201112182143535&code=910402 \| work = Kyunghyang Shinmun \| accessdate = 2011-12-25 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	===UAE Military Dispatch===
	A fellow member of National Assembly from the ruling Grand National Party ] criticized that there might be concealed documents about dispatching soldiers, thus questioning the nature of the bilateral deal to send troops to the middle east.<ref></ref> However, nothing else has been found to support his allegations.

	===Telecommunication Mismanagement===
	The party leader of the Democratic Party, Kim Jin-pyo, criticized the Lee governments decision to dismantle the ] for the on-going negligence of South Korea's telecommunication security.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Song-mu (송무) \| last = Chae (채) \| title = 민주 "IT분야 역행침식, 정보통신부 부활해야" \| date = 2011-07-29 \| url = http://news.inews24.com/php/news_view.php?g_menu=050220&g_serial=592659 \| work = inews24.com \| accessdate = 2011-08-08 \| language = Korean \| quote = 김진표 "세계는 모바일 혁명, MB 정부는 정통부 없애"}}</ref> This has later eventually been criticized by another member, ], of concerning about ]'s mismanagement<ref>{{cite news \| first = Byeong-uk (병묵) \| last = Jung (정) \| title = 손학규 "정통부·과기부 폐지가 현 IT위기 초래" \| date = 2011-08-26 \| url = http://www.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=DC13&newsid=02246806596351256&DCD=A01404&OutLnkChk=Y \| work = Edaily \| accessdate = 2011-10-14 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	===Counterproductive Governance===
	One of the biggest critics of Lee's political career, GNP politician ] on February 5, 2011 voiced his criticism against Lee by saying "It is natural to see how lameduck is President Lee's 4 years in office. We will agree whether who would be lameducked later this year."<ref>{{cite news \| first = Su-jin (수진) \| last = Park (박) \| title = 여당서 먼저 불거진 `대통령 레임덕` \| date = 2011-01-05 \| url = http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2011010531521 \| work = Hankyung.com \| accessdate = 2011-08-08 \| language = Korean}}</ref> His editorial in Monthly Chosun (July 2011) about the July 4th party conference mentioned that Lee's later stage of his presidency is similar to ex-president Roh's later stage of presidency.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Eun-mi (은미) \| last = Kim (김) \| title = 정두언 "MB말기 民心, 노무현 말기와 비슷" \| date = 2011-07-18 \| url = http://www.newsis.com/ar_detail/view.html?ar_id=NISX20110718_0008705454&cID=10301&pID=10300 \| work = Newsis \| accessdate = 2011-08-08 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	During the GNP supreme council on October 31st, 2011, after the fatal October 2011 by-election, fellow GNP politician, ] had expressed discontent against Lee Myung-bak's ''self-praising'' and ''out of reality'' way of communication that does not help the public.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Myeong-su (명수) \| last = Seon (선) \| title = 원희룡 "MB 자화자찬, 유체이탈 화법에 국민 절망" \| date = 2011-10-31 \| url = http://www.pressian.com/article/article.asp?article_num=60111031100233 \| work = Pressian \| accessdate = 2011-11-19 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	==Political freedoms==
	{{See also\|Prime Minister's Office Civilian Surveillance Incident}}
	Under the Lee Myung-bak administration, police are reportedly moving to restrict assemblies and demonstrations depending on their purposes as well as imposing fines on people who refuse on-the-street demands to present identification.<ref>{{cite news \| title = National Security Law \| date = 2008-05-09 \| url = http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2008/05/137_23934.html \| work = The Korea Times \| accessdate = 2011-09-03}}</ref> Lee has been called ''authoritarian'',<ref>{{cite news \| title = <nowiki></nowiki> Lee administration reversing democratic achievements \| date = 2008-05-26 \| url = http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/289679.html \| work = The Hankyoreh \| accessdate = 2011-09-03}}</ref> and ''anti-labor''. ], a former GNP member, openly concerned how Lee Myung-bak ignores democratic protocols at a public seminar on September 2011.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Seong-wan (성완) \| last = Cho (조) \| title = 윤여준 "노무현 권위잃고 MB는 민주절차 무시" \| date = 2011-09-17 \| url = http://www.dailian.co.kr/news/news_view.htm?id=260759 \| work = Daillian \| accessdate = 2011-10-05 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	] highly criticized the human rights violation caused under Lee Myung-bak's administration. Amnesty International accused Lee Myung Bak of ordering South Korean police to use excessive force against peaceful protestors who were demonstrating against Lee's policies.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.amnesty.org/en/for-media/press-releases/south-korea-use-force-against-beef-protestors-should-be-investigated-tho \|title=South Korea: Use of force against beef protestors should be investigated thoroughly \| Amnesty International \|publisher=Amnesty.org \|date= \|accessdate=2010-06-15}}</ref> In contrast to his use of excessive force against the protestors, in an interview with Time magazine, President Lee said, "I fully understand the protesters' point of view on the matter" and regarding the long-lasting demonstration, he added, "Protesting culture has a deep-root in democracy of Korea and despite the ongoing political upheaval of this country, the enthusiasm that the protesters showed is one side of the dynamism we embrace and this will eventually be a positive drive of Korea's development".<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.donga.com/fbin/output?n=200806060274 \|title=뉴스]-李대통령 "시위대 입장 완벽히 이해하고 있다" \|publisher=Donga.com \|date= \|accessdate=2010-06-15}}</ref>

	Lee's government has also been criticized for maintaining surveillance illegally on Kim Jong-ik. Lee ordered a swift investigation into the case and punishment for anyone found guilty.
	<ref>http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2922839</ref>

	Former minister of the ], ], criticized President Lee for his lack of publicness in which he valued efficiency and productivity over democratic processes.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Bong-seok (봉석)\| last = Sohn (손) \| title = 윤여준 “대통령의 자격… DJ도 노무현도…” \| date = 2011-12-04 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201112041241211&code=910100 \| work = Kyunghyang Shinmun \| accessdate = 2011-12-17 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	==Media freedoms==
	The ] have condemned changes being made in the management of major broadcast media in South Korea which amount to political interference.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ifj.org/en/articles/ifj-condemns-political-interference-in-korean-media \|title=IFJ Global – IFJ Condemns Political Interference in Korean Media \|publisher=IFJ.org \|date=2008-08-05 \|accessdate=2010-06-15}}</ref> The Lee government has been accused of trying to manipulate media to suit its political tastes by appointing executives to state-run broadcasting and some key public enterprises who are his supporters.

	The Lee government has also been accused of appointing his close associates to presidencies of SKY LIFE satellite broadcasting and 24 hours news channel YTN, both of which supported his presidential campaign. The chief executives of Korea Broadcasting Advertising Corporation and the English broadcasting company, Arirang TV have been replaced by government supporters.

	===Firing Chung Yeon-ju===
	There has been controversy over Chung Yeon-ju of ], the country's most powerful television network. The prosecution’s plan to summon Chung was made after the ] Chairman ], known to be President Lee Myung-bak’s “mentor,” called for Chung to resign. The summons stirred up controversy over “investigation for political purposes” combined with pressure from all directions by the Board of Audit and Inspection and the NTS.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Prosecution used as a political tool in the KBS case \| date = 2008-06-18 \| url = http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/293921.html \| work = The Hankyoreh \| accessdate = 2011-12-08 \| quote = Some lawyers criticize the summoning of Chung Yeon-ju due to suspicion of political motives}}</ref>

	] made a controversial statement of mentioning that the ] has a legal rights to fire Chung Yeon-ju on July 5th, 2008.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Dong-hun (동훈) \| last = Kim (김) \| title = 신재민 차관 “대통령, KBS사장 해임권 있다” 초법적 발언 파장 \| date = 2008-07-05 \| url = http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/society_general/297193.html \| work = The Hankyoreh \| accessdate = 2011-12-08 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	===2008 Beef protests===
	{{See also\|2008 US beef protest in South Korea}}
	The ] was under court investigation over a program dealing with a beef trade deal with the United States which the IFJ local affiliate, the Journalists' Association of Korea (JAK) says is against press freedom and is in breach of the promise protecting Journalists. The program, known as 'PD Diary', was accused to deliberately distort 19 conspicuous parts of the program, including several deliberate mistranslations, which the Lee administration saw as being at least partially responsible for sparking the U.S. beef protests.<ref>{{dead link\|date=June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{dead link\|date=June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{dead link\|date=June 2010}}</ref> The translator, Ji-Min Jung, disclosed that the producers of the program had intentionally distorted the original translation and the prosecutor's investigation result confirmed on July 31 that a false representation was made. The Lee administration claimed that the MBC program, known as 'PD Diary', deliberately distorted some parts of the program.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.donga.com/fbin/output?n=200806260145 \|title=뉴스]-"주저앉는 소=광우병 연결은 왜곡" \|publisher=Donga.com \|date=2008-06-26 \|accessdate=2010-06-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/08/12/2008081201684.html \|title=MBC "PD수첩 오역·과장 사과" – 1등 인터넷뉴스 조선닷컴 \|publisher=Chosun.com \|date=2008-08-13 \|accessdate=2010-06-15}}</ref>

	According to ] documents, top officials of Lee's administration already agreed with then American ambassador, ], on January 17, 2008 to open up Korea's beef market, few months before Lee's trip to the USA on April 2008.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Philip \| last = Iglauer \| title = 'Lee made beef deal before Bush talks in 2008' \| date = 09-06-2011 \| url = http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/09/116_94355.html \| work = The Korea Times \| accessdate = 2011-10-01}}</ref>

	===Treatment of journalists===
	Norma Kang Muico, Amnesty International’s Korea researcher, said (in 2009), “We are extremely concerned that the human rights situation in South Korea has deteriorated since last year.” As an example, she mentioned the prosecution’s indictment of five people who were involved in the production of an MBC program about mad cow disease that aired in 2008. She concluded, “The freedom of the press in Korea is now facing a challenge."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/363756.html \|title=Human rights in South Korea have deteriorated: AI researcher : International : Home \|language={{ko icon}} \|publisher=English.hani.co.kr \|date= \|accessdate=2010-06-15}}</ref>

	===Chojoongdong Connection===
	The conservative ] media had closely affiliated with Lee's influence in politics right before and around the beginning of his presidency as partners.<ref>{{cite journal \| title = The Press and Democracy in South Korea \| journal = The Canadian Center of Science and Education \| date = 2009-06 \| first = Eun Suk \| last = Sa \| volume = 5 \| issue = 6 \| pages = 22\| id = \| format = http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ass/article/view/2473/2421 \| accessdate = 2011-07-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| title = Conservative newspapers and Lee administration strengthen symbiotic relationship \| date = 2010-05-27 \| url = http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/422790.html \| work = The Hankyoreh \| accessdate = 2011-08-26}}</ref> It managed to co-prosper during the halfway of Lee's administration's support and favoritism.<ref>{{cite news \| title = ChoJoongDong has greatly increased pro-administration coverage, study says \| date = 2010-05-27 \| url = http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/422791.html \| work = The Hankyoreh \| accessdate = 2011-09-03}}</ref> For what it matters, Lee's political leadership is business-friendly to the media sector of business as he and the GNP supported Chojoongdong-oriented ] plan.

	As President Lee's close associate on domestic mass media, Choi See-joong had officially expressed that the government would financially support the Comprehensive Programming.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Mun-yeong (문영) \| last = Lee (이) \| title = 최시중, 종편 특혜지원뜻 공식화 \| date = 2011-03-17 \| url = http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/society/media/468574.html \| work = The Hankyoreh \| accessdate = 2011-12-25}}</ref>

	===Manufacturing 'Nice' Internet Comments===
	South Korean blogger '''Impeter''' (아이엠피터) was the first person to comment about a possible background of large number of consistent positive comments in various articles.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Il-seong (일성) \| last = Min (민) \| title = 국민 세금으로 MB기사 선플 댓글부대 지원 논란 \| date = 2011-09-21 \| url = http://www.newsface.kr/news/news_view.htm?news_idx=3140 \| work = Newsface \| accessdate = 2011-10-13 \| language = Korean}}</ref> Impeter later found out that a non-profit organization which was given $49,000 by the government was behind this online activities with the help of internet-savvy youths who need volunteering hours. New Progress Party politician, Cho Seung-su (조승수), mentioned this organization's use of taxpayers' money as a violation the Laws Concerning Non-Profit Organizations (비영리 민간단체지원법), Article #6.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Hyo-eun (효은) \| last = Kim (김) \| title = <nowiki></nowiki> "MB 자상함 느껴진다…이게 선플?" \| date = 2011-09-20 \| url = http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/Show.asp?IDX=1922768 \| work = Nocut News \| accessdate = 2011-10-13 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	==Religion==
	Buddhists have expressed concerns about Lee's religious beliefs. When Lee was mayor of Seoul, he declared the city "a holy place governed by God" and the citizens of Seoul "God's people."<ref name="Rahn">Rahn, Kim (July 30, 2008). . '']''. Retrieved October 7, 2008.</ref><ref name="favoring"></ref> Lee reportedly received 80% of Korea's Christian votes.<ref>{{cite news \|first= S. \|last= Lee \|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/JB01Dg01.html \|title= A 'God-given' president-elect \|publisher= ] \|date= 1 February 2008}}</ref>

	In August 2008, Buddhist monks protested against Lee's pro-Christian politics.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/07/117_28491.html \|title=President Embarrassed Over Angry Buddhists \|publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr \|date=2008-07-30 \|accessdate=2010-06-15}}</ref> Lee Myung-bak and his government have been accused by many Buddhist groups, including the influential ] order, of discriminating against Buddhism.<ref>{{cite news \| title = Buddhists set to protest against Lee’s religious bias \| date = 2008-08-22 \| url = http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/305984.html \| work = The Hankyoreh \| accessdate = 2011-09-03 \| quote = Buddhists who supported Lee’s presidential bid are becoming increasingly disillusioned by his discriminatory behavior}}</ref> The Buddhist community accepted (Sept 9) President Lee's expression of regret over any misunderstanding between the two religions and personal pledge to ensure the governments neutrality. The Buddhist establishment took Lee's talk to be sincere and taking into consideration the increasing social conflict and economic hardship, they decided to take President Lee's remarks positively. The discomfort among the Buddhists has gradually appeased since then.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/10/01/2008100100032.html \|title=대구·경북 범불교도대회 '정부규탄' 대신 '호법결의'로 – 1등 인터넷뉴스 조선닷컴 \|publisher=News.chosun.com \|date= \|accessdate=2010-06-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://media.daum.net/culture/religion/view.html?cateid=100028&newsid=20080930162403155&p=yonhap \|title=Daum 미디어다음 – 뉴스 \|language={{ko icon}} \|publisher=Media.daum.net \|date=2008-09-30 \|accessdate=2010-06-15}}</ref>

	The government's decision to reduce the fundings for the Temple Stay programs across South Korean Buddhist temples generated mistrust from Buddhist establishments.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Chae-hui (채희) \| last = Cho (조) \| title = '여당출입금지' 불교계, 범어사 화재로 시끌 \| date = 2010-12-17 \| url = http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2010/12/17/0200000000AKR20101217073300005.HTML \| work = Yonhap News \| accessdate = 2011-08-31 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	===2011===
	Lee and the first lady attended a national-level Christian prayers' gathering in ] on March 3, 2011 and kneeled during prayer time. Both ruling and opposition parties later criticized his actions for undermining the ].<ref>{{cite news \| first = Chang-hyeon (창현) \| last = Ahn (안) \| coauthors = Hwang Jun-beom (황준범) \| title = 대통령 ‘무릎기도’ 정교분리 위협 \| date = 2011-03-06 \| url = http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/assembly/466715.html \| work = The Hankyeoreh \| accessdate = 2011-03-07 \| language = Korean}}</ref> ] Political-International section editor, Kim Bong-seon criticized Lee's actions by recommending Lee "to choose only one position between an ] position of a Christian church and a presidential position of South Korea".<ref>{{cite news \| first = Bong-seon (봉선) \| last = Kim (김) \| title = <nowiki></nowiki> ‘무릎 꿇은’ 대통령 \| date = 2011-03-06 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201103062116275&code=990507 \| work = Kyunghyang Shinmun \| accessdate = 2011-03-07 \| language = Korean}}</ref> A ] news article on the Internet sparked around 1800 replies through ] and 1000 comments through ] about this controversy that questions the vast political influence of Christianity in Korea.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Jeong-gon (정곤) \| last = Kim (김) \| title = 기독교 내부서도 "왜 권력 군림하나" \| date = 2011-03-05 \| url = http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/politics/201103/h2011030502331121000.htm \| work = Hankook Ilbo \| accessdate = 2011-03-11 \| language = Korean}}</ref> For administrative purposes, secularism is indeed supported within the South Korean public. This incident had also sparked negative reactions from non-Christian organizations. The Korean Buddhist Youth Association (대한불교청년회) protested against Lee's actions as a president and recommended "to manage his own self-dignity".<ref>{{cite news \| first = Bong-seok (봉석) \| last = Son (손) \| title = 불교계 "이명박 대통령, 제발 체통좀 지켜라" \| date = 2011-03-04 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201103041417181&code=910203 \| work = The Hankyeoreh \| accessdate = 2011-03-10 \| language = Korean}}</ref> This further brought more negative image of Lee among Buddhists. Minister In Myeong-jin of the Galili Church in ], Seoul criticized certain aggressive Christian groups, and made a note that due to the pro and anti Christian fighting "the next president should never be a Protestant Christian".<ref>{{cite news \| first = Myeong-guk (명국) \| last = Kam (감) \| title = 다음 대통령은 개신교인 아니길.... \| date = 2011-03-09 \| url = http://www.sisapress.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=54607 \| work = SisaInJournal \| accessdate = 2011-04-17 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	==Environmental Destruction==
	===Canal===
	Hong Jong-ho, an economist at Hanyang University, has claimed that the ] would create an “environmental disaster” that would worsen flooding and pollute the two rivers that supply drinking water for two-thirds of the country's population. He also said the waterway would be the most expensive construction project in South Korean history, costing as much as $50 billion. Buddhist groups have voiced fears that it would submerge nearby Buddhist relics,<ref>{{cite news
	\| first= Sang-hun
	\| last= Choe
	\| url= http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/12/world/asia/12canal.html?_r=1&ref=asia&oref=slogin
	\| title= Controversial Canal Tests South Korea’s New Leader
	\| publisher= New York Times
	\| date= 12 March 2008
	}}</ref> which would cause irreparable damage to a significant portion of Korea's cultural legacy.<ref>{{cite news
	\| last= Schurmann, P & Lee, A.
	\| url=https://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=970fac0c1223ec77b17cef60090ade06
	\| title= New Christian President Rattles Korea's Buddhist Nerves
	\| publisher= New American Media
	\| date= 13 March 2008
	}}</ref>

	] of ] criticized Lee's canal project as a failure in relation to former Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka's discredited political-economic approach called {{nihongo\|'''construction state'''\|土建国家\|Doken Kokka}}.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Gavan \| last = McCormack \| title = <nowiki></nowiki> (1) 역주행한 한국 대선 \| date = 2008-01-07 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=200801071812031&code=990000 \| work = The Kyunghyang Shinmun \| accessdate = 2011-09-11 \| language = English & Korean}}</ref>

	===Jeju-do Military Base===
	American journalist, ] criticized President Lee for preserving ]'s natural green zones while destroying a portion of it by constructing a naval military base.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Gloria \| last = Steinem \| title = The Arms Race Intrudes on Paradise \| date = 2011-08-06 \| url = http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/opinion/sunday/Steinem-the-arms-race-intrudes-on-a-south-korean-paradise.html \| work = The New York Times \| accessdate = 2011-09-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| first = Gyeong-jun (경준) \| last = Choi (최) \| title = 한국은 미국 펜타곤 강아지의 꼬리 부시 닮은 '불도저' MB, 해군기지 강행 \| date = 2011-08-15 \| url = http://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/view/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0001611091&CMPT_CD=P0000 \| work = OhMyNews \| accessdate = 2011-09-03 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	==Stance on North Korea==
	A longtime opponent of the ] carried out by his predecessors ] and ], Lee shifted towards a more aggressive policy on North Korea, promising to provide massive economic assistance but only after North Korea abandoned its suspected nuclear weapons programs. The ultimate goal of the administration regarding inter-Korean relation is based on the "non-nuclear, openness, 3000" plan that entails reciprocity and mutual benefit between the two Koreas in order to achieve economic advancement and bring about happiness among the people living in the Korean peninsula. The current inter-Korean situation is undergoing a massive transitional period. The administration, however, made it clear that it will pursue a more productive policy that eventually would contribute to the peaceful reunification, but only after North Korea gives up its nuclear ambitions and adopt a more open-minded approach. The North Korean government viewed this as confrontational and responded by calling Lee a “traitor” and an “anti-North confrontation advocator”. The North Korean response included the expulsion of South Korean officials from an inter-Korean industrial complex, the launching of naval missiles into the sea, and the deployment of ]s and army units provocatively close to the ]. Domestically, Lee's critics claim his strategy will only serve to antagonize the ] regime and undermine progress towards friendly ].<ref>{{cite news
	\|title=Rocket Man v Bulldozer
	\|url=http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10961848
	\|publisher=The Economist
	\|date=2008-04-03
	\|accessdate=2008-04-21 }}</ref> He announced that ] university students are behind the anti-governmental protests during a meeting with members of Buddhist organizations on June 2008.<ref>{{cite news \| title = 이 대통령 "촛불 배후는 주사파 친북 세력" \| date = 2008-06-07 \| url = http://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/view/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0000921121 \| work = Ohmynews \| accessdate = 2011-03-30 \| language = Korean}}</ref> The Blue House officials, however, denied the existence of his remarks.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Ui-geun (의근) \| last = Ahn (안) \| title = 李대통령 ‘주사파’ 발언 논란… 靑 "그런말 안해" \| date = 2008-06-07 \| url = http://news.kukinews.com/article/view.asp?page=1&gCode=kmi&arcid=0920932842&cp=du \| work = Kuki News \| accessdate = 2011-03-30 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	Cheong Seong-chang of the Sejong Institute, a ] that often advises the government, argues that inter-Korean relations have been rapidly deteriorating, mainly because the Lee Myung-bak government persisted on differentiating its North Korean policies from those of the former Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun governments, ignoring the agreements previously made by the North-South summit and pursued a hardline policy.<ref name="attimes">{{cite news
	\|last= Lee, S.
	\|title= South Korea's Sunshine policy strikes back
	\|url= http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/JE07Dg01.html \|publisher= ] \|date= 7 May 2008 }}</ref>

	However, in an interview with ], Lee claims that there are many other inter-Korean agreements as well which have not been honored and that both Koreas should have frank dialogue with each other to break the stalemate. Lee supports the ], although he believes that political differences between the two Koreas create an enormous obstacle to reunification.

	On March 26, 2010 an explosion destroyed the South Korean warship Cheonan, killing 46 crewmen. An investigation into the sinking concluded that a torpedo fired by a North Korean submarine was responsible for the sinking. Lee took a hard line towards the north after the results of the investigation were announced, immediately freezing all trade between the north and the south and resuming radio broadcasts into North Korea. He also has asked that the United Nations implement sanctions against North Korea.

	Lee Myung-bak was criticized for requesting to public relations department of the ] on December 2010 to make an anti-North Korean video that stars actor, ].<ref>{{cite news \| first = Guen-hyeok (근혁) \| last = Yun (윤) \| coauthors = Kim Do-gyun (김도균) \| title = 북 연평도 도발은 국민들 천안함 의혹제기 탓? 군복무 '이준기 오빠'의 'MB표 안보강의' 논란 \| date = 2011-03-09 \| url = http://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/view/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0001534115&CMPT_CD=P0001 \| work = OhMyNews \| accessdate = 2011-05-29 \| language = Korean}}</ref> This video is catered towards Korean school-going adolescents for the new school year.

	Dr. Seo Jae-jeong of ] criticized Lee for being unrealistic in dealing with North Korea due to his Christian religious faith influencing South Korea's attitude towards North Korea.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Jae-hun (재훈) \| last = Kwak (곽) \| title = MB 정부, 미국-중국 발목 잡고 상황 악화시킨 문제아 \| date = 2011-06-07 \| url = http://www.pressian.com/article/article.asp?article_num=40110607163754&section=05 \| work = Pressian \| accessdate = 2011-06-23 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	The government's anti-North Korean attitude later influenced ]'s decision to hire some conservative military instructors who taught political stances unfavorable towards ] and ] to the army reservists.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Yong-ha (용하) \| last = Park (박) \| title = "김대중·노무현 당선은 北때문"…보수단체는 예비군 교육 중 \| date = 2011-07-01 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201107011554391&code=910302 \| work = Kyunghyang Sinmun \| accessdate = 2011-07-17 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	The autobiography of the former president's Kim Dae-jung strongly criticizes Lee's policies towards North Korea before his death.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Weon-bo (원보) \| last = Yang (양) \| title = DJ 자서전 출간… MB 신랄히 비판 \| date = 2010-07-29 \| url = http://www.segye.com/Articles/News/Politics/Article.asp?aid=20100729001664&subctg1=&subctg2= \| work = Segye Ilbo \| accessdate = 2011-07-21 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	Lee had expressed a strong statement that "nothing would change as long as Kim Jong-il remained in power" in North Korea to Alexander Vershbow in 2006 according to recent Wikileaks leak.<ref>{{cite web \| url = http://www.wikileaks-kr.org/dokuwiki/06seoul740 \| title = (06SEOUL740) 서울시장 이명박과 미국대사의 만남 \| accessdate = 2011-12-31 \| publisher = Wikileaks Korea \| quote = 이명박은 북한 문제에 관하여, 김정일이 권력을 가지고 있는 한 그 어떤것도 바뀔것이 없다고 확신했다.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url = http://wikileaks.org/cable/2006/03/06SEOUL740.html \| title = 06SEOUL740, AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH SEOUL MAYOR LEE MYUNG-BAK \| accessdate = 2011-12-31 \| publisher = ] \| quote = Turning to North Korea, Lee expressed his conviction that nothing would change as long as Kim Jong-il remained in power.}}</ref>

	The ] officially declared that it "will refuse forever to engage with traitor Lee Myung-Bak and his group" after the ].<ref>{{cite news \| title = North Korea declares no policy change \| date = 2011-12-30 \| url = http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/12/201112303641615412.html \| work = Al Jazeera \| accessdate = 2011-12-31}}</ref>

	==Yongsan Incident==
	On January 20, 2009, 6 people in were killed in a fire in ] during a demonstration.<ref></ref> The families of the civilian victims in this incident later protested against the Police Agency.<ref></ref>

	Kim Seok-gi (김석기) was the head of the ] during the incident.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Min-jeong (민정) \| last = Baek (백) \| title = “금배지 위해서라면 총영사직쯤이야…” 駐오사카 김석기, 후임도 결정되기 전 귀국 \| date = 2011-11-08 \| url = http://news.kukinews.com/article/view.asp?page=1&gCode=kmi&arcid=0005535435&cp=du \| work = Kuki News \| accessdate = 2011-11-09 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	==Counterproductive Human Resource Management==
	Lee Myung-bak has faced strong criticism over his choice of political appointees – many of whom are wealthy or have very close connection with him. The concern is that Lee’s appointees will favor policies that protect the rich while failing to address the needs of the underprivileged. Another criticism is that these appointees have been mostly chosen from the nation's southeast region (]), which is reputably known as a GNP stronghold.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Hae-in \| last = Shin \| title = (News Focus) Lee's party staggers over 'rich Cabinet' controversy \| date = 2008-02-29 \| url = http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2008/02/29/94/0301000000AEN20080229003800315F.HTML \| work = Yonhap News \| accessdate = 2011-07-21}}</ref> Lee has also had to face corruption charges leveled at his administration. Three appointees have already resigned amid suspicions of corruption. And Lee’s top intelligence chief and anticorruption aide face accusations that they received bribes from The ]. Both Samsung and Lee denied the charges.<ref>{{cite news\| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/world/asia/06korea.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&oref=slogin \| work=The New York Times \| first=Choe \| last=Sang-Hun \| title=Corruption Allegations Batter South Korea's New President \| date=2008-03-06}}</ref>

	Former president, ] thinks Lee has done poorly in terms of appointing officials according to a ] document.<ref>{{cite web \| url = http://www.wikileaks-kr.org/dokuwiki/08seoul1696 \| title = (WikiLeaks English-Korean Translation) KIM YOUNG-SAM PESSIMISTIC ON OUTLOOK FOR PRESIDENT LEE, RELATIONS WITH JAPAN \| accessdate = 2011-09-25 \| publisher = ] \| quote = Kim said he had met with President Lee recently and told him that picking the right personnel was the most important thing to succeed as president; he felt that poor personnel choices had caused most of Lee's problems. Kim said that the new Cabinet and Blue House officials, however, were disappointing and would not alleviate the public's concern.}}</ref>

	Certain important political individuals under Lee's administration allegedly obtained housing benefits through sponsored ''reduced contracts'' (Korean:다운계약서) by underreporting certain real estate taxes.<ref>{{cite news \| title = MB정부서 장관하려면 ‘다운계약서’는 기본? \| date = 2011-09-14 \| url = http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/politics_general/496064.html \| work = The Hankyeoreh \| accessdate = 2011-10-05 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	===Cronyism===
	* There are approximately 300 people associated with Lee Myung-bak who take positions in governmental agencies and corporations as of February 2011.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Yeon-cheol (연철) \| last = Sung (성) \| title = ‘MB의 사람들’ 3백명, 공공기관 고위직 ‘낙하산’ \| date = 2011-02-21 \| url = http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/assembly/464564.html \| work = The Hankyeoreh \| accessdate = 2011-09-03 \| language = Korean}}</ref>
	* The Democratic Party criticized Lee Myung-bak for appointing Kim Sang-gi (김상기) as the new Chief of Staff member for the ] on December 2010, a high school junior colleague of him.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Su-a (수아) \| last = Eam (엄) \| title = 민주 "MB, 군까지 편중인사" vs 한나라 "듣자듣자하니" \| date = 2010-12-21 \| url = http://www.viewsnnews.com/article/view.jsp?seq=70382 \| work = Views&News \| accessdate = 2011-09-03 \| language = Korean}}</ref>
	* Many of the executives in private and public financial institutions (KB Financial Group, ], ], ]) have direct connections with Lee Myung-bak.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Jong-tae (종태) \| last = Lee (이) \| title = 청와대는 낙하산 투하, 낙하산은 ‘자리 상납’ \| date = 2011-04-20 \| url = http://www.sisainlive.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=9986 \| work = SisaJournal \| accessdate = 2011-09-26 \| language = Korean}}</ref> ], the governor of ] is also alleged to have a connection to Lee.
	* Economist expert, Dr. Kim Sang-jo (김상조) of ], mentioned that Lee Myung-bak's worst decision in the administration is to promote Kim Choongsoo as the governor of Bank of Korea and let him neglect the stabilization of the interest rate of the Korean won.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Dong-hwan (동환) \| last = Kim (김) \| coauthors = Kwon U-seong (권우성) \| title = MB가 가장 잘못한 일, 김중수 한국은행 총재 임명 \| date = 2011-04-26 \| url = http://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/view/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0001557373 \| work = OhMyNews \| accessdate = 2011-09-26 \| language = Korean}}</ref>
	* ], a former associate of Lee Myung-bak during the 2007 presidential election, is the former senior secretary of public relations for Lee Myung-bak in 2011.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Jun-beom (준범) \| last = Hwang (황) \| title = MB의 남자들 재배치 ‘임기말 청와대’ 사수조 \| date = 2011-06-09 \| url = http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/bluehouse/482097.html \| work = The Hankyeoreh \| accessdate = 2011-09-27 \| language = Korean}}</ref> He is a former Gyeongsangdo-born editor of Joongang-Ilbo and a native of Gyeongsang-do - 2 of Lee Myung-bak's personal and political preference. He resigned his top Blue House position on September 2011 after allegations of taking of bribes from a Busan Savings Bank lobbyist. He has since maintainted his innocence. <ref>{{cite news \| first = In-Soo \| last = Nam \| title = Thrift Scandal Takes Lee’s Press Chief \| date = 2011-09-16 \| url = http://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2011/09/16/thrift-scandal-takes-lees-press-chief/ \| work = The Wall Street Journal \| accessdate = 2011-09-27}}</ref>
	* Lee nominated ], replacing ], as the chief of the ] on October 27th, 2011 (right after the October 2011 By-election) despite his infamous decision of building a wall with container boxes during the ] as the then commissioner of ].<ref>{{cite news \| first = Yeong-hwan (영환) \| last = Park (박) \| title = ‘명박산성’ 어청수 경호처장 임명 \| date = 2011-10-27 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201110271149351&code=910203 \| work = The Kyunghyang Shinmun \| accessdate = 2011-11-19 \| language = Korean}}</ref>
	* Lee Gang-deok (이강덕), the Commissioner of the ], is a close junior friend of President Lee. Lee Gang-deok was criticized for approving the usage of ] towards the protesters against the ] in Seoul on a '']-inducing'' cold day.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Jeong-min (정민) \| last = Ryu (류) \| title = ‘엄동설한 물대포’ 누가 지시했나 \| date = 2011-11-24 \| url = http://www.mediatoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=98691 \| work = Media Today \| accessdate = 2011-11-25 \| language = Korean}}</ref>
	* President Lee appointed the conservative ]-affiliated Lee Chul-hee (이철희) as the Presidential Public Affairs Secretary and the former spokesperson for then Mayor of Seoul, ], Lee Jong-hyun (이종현) as the head of the Blue House Press Center on December 2nd, 2011 - two individuals who are closely involved in controversial decisions made under President Lee's leadership: the ] and the ].<ref>{{cite news \| first = Yeong-jae (영재) \| last = Mun (문) \| title = MB, 또 `마이웨이`..靑비서관 인사 `뒷말 무성` \| date = 2011-12-04 \| url = http://www.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=DA31&newsid=01387446596475240&DCD=A01502&OutLnkChk=Y \| work = edaily \| accessdate = 2011-12-17 \| language = Korean}}</ref>
	* Many of Lee Myung-bak's right-wing conservative associates often work for private television stations that benefited from the Comprehensive Programming.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Yun-gyeong (윤경) \| last = Song (송) \| title = 낙하산으로 방송 장악한 MB, 종편으로 친정권 방송 완결 \| date = 2011-11-29 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201111291903005&code=910203 \| work = Kyunghyang Shinmun \| accessdate = 2011-12-25 \| language = Korean}}</ref>
	*The GNP Emergency Response Commission requested an investigation on exchanges of briberies during a previous party meeting after a GNP lawmaker, Koh Seung-duk, exposed the bribery information to the press; as Koh refused to receive money from another pro-Lee Myung-bak lawmaker in the past.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Tae-hoon \| last = Lee \| title = Cash-for-votes scandal his ruling party \| date = 2011-01-05 \| url = http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/01/113_102297.html \| work = Korea Times \| accessdate = 2011-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| first = Byeong-han (병한) \| last = Kang (강) \| coauthors = Cho Mi-deop (조미덥) \| title = 한나라 ‘전대 돈봉투’ 파문…비대위, 검찰에 수사 의뢰 \| date = 2012-01-05 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201201052136025&code=910402 \| work = Kyunghyang Shinmun \| accessdate = 2011-01-05 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	===Nepotism===
	* There has been negative responses in politics that Lee Myung-bak is favoring ] for his older brother, ]. He was a center of criticism from a bribery incident of his personal aide.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Yong-uk (용욱) \| last = Lee (이) \| title = 위기 맞은 이상득 \| date = 2011-12-10 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201112100305045&code=910402 \| work = Kyunghyang Shinmun \| accessdate = 2011-12-10 \| language = Korean}}</ref>
	* An older cousin of Lee Myung-bak was under an investigation by the Supreme Prosecutors for extorting fundings for ].<ref>{{cite news \| first = Hye-rim (혜림) \| last = Bae (배) \| title = '4대강 사업 비리' 대통령 사촌형 일가 고발 \| date = 2011-09-15 \| url = http://www.mt.co.kr/view/mtview.php?type=1&no=2011091517322945989&outlink=1 \| work = Money Today \| accessdate = 2011-10-05 \| language = Korean}}</ref>
	* A male relative of the First Lady ] was involved with a lobbyist affiliated with the ].<ref>{{cite news \| first = Yong-su (용수) \| last = Ahn (안) \| title = 靑, 친인척ㆍ측근 잡음에 곤혹 \| date = 2011-12-08 \| url = http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/politics/2011/12/08/0501000000AKR20111208080251001.HTML \| work = Yonhap News \| accessdate = 2011-12-08 \| language = Korean}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| first = Sang-heon (상헌) \| last = Lee (이) \| title = 제일저축銀 회장 대통령 친인척 로비 수사 \| date = 2011-12-08 \| url = http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/society/2011/12/08/0701000000AKR20111208113600004.HTML \| work = Yonhap News \| accessdate = 2011-12-08 \| language = Korean}}</ref>
	* There are allegations that the current residence of President Lee could have been mistakenly registered under an uncertain reason with his in-law with the last name of ].<ref>{{cite news \| first = Jin-yeong (지영) \| last = Kim (김) \| title = 미스터리만 쌓여가는 MB ‘논현동 자택’ \| date = 2011-12-11 \| url = http://www.sisapress.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=56680 \| work = SisaJournal \| accessdate = 2011-12-11 \| language = Korean}}</ref>
	* A female relative of the First Lady Kim Yoon-ok, Kim Ok-hui (김옥희), was involved in extorting money in 2008.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Hun (훈) \| last = Shim (심) \| title = "김옥희, 靑-韓-노인회에 각각 10억씩" 발언 파문 \| date = 2008-08-05 \| url = http://www.nocutnews.co.kr/show.asp?idx=898840 \| work = NoCut News \| accessdate = 2011-12-14 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	==Being Involved in Illegal Business Deals==
	===Dogok-Dong, Seoul Land Issues===
	Lee and his relatives managed pieces of land in southern ], which was brought up in court in in early 2008.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Rahn \| last = Kim \| title = Lee Myung-bak Relatives Face Summons \| date = 2008-01-27 \| url = http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/04/113_18006.html \| work = The Korea Times \| accessdate = 2011-03-11}}</ref>

	===BBK Incident===
	{{See also\|BBK stock price manipulation incident}}
	Lee Myung Bak was alleged to have been involved in a illegal company named BBK which has brought controversy to South Korea during the election season. BBK co-founder Kim Kyung-joon was investigated for large-scale embezzlement and stock price-fixing schemes. Kim Kyung-joon had initially stated that Lee was not involved with the company, and Lee himself denied being associated with BBK. Kim Kyung-joon and his wife attempted to implicate Lee Myung-Bak in criminal involvement which was not supported by evidence.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Claims and Counter-Claims Clash in BBK Scandal \|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2007/11/22/2007112261006.html\|publisher=english.chosun.com\|date=2007-11-22 \|accessdate=2012-01-05 }}</ref> Eventually, Kim Kyung-joon admitted publicly sole responsibility and making false and misleading statements in an attempt to implicate Lee.<ref>{{cite web\|author=Jimin Hong\|url=http://www.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20080628008014 \|title=김경준 "국민·MB에 죄송" \|publisher=seoul.co.kr \|date=2008-06-28 \|accessdate=2012-01-04}}</ref> Lee was declared innocent of all charges by the Supreme Court of Korea.
	According to ], Yoo Chong-ha (유종하), the former co-chairman of Lee Myung-bak's presidential election campaign, requested to then American ambassador to South Korea, Alexander Vershbow, to delay the extraction of the main individual of the BBK embezzlement scandal, Christopher Kim (Kim Kyung-joon), to Korea on the request to prevent spreading controversies related to Lee Myung-bak's involvement in the BBK embezzlement scandal during the ].<ref>{{cite web \| url = http://wikileaks.org/cable/2007/10/07SEOUL3225.html \| title = 07SEOUL3225, KIM KYUNG-JOON'S EXTRADITION CASE \| accessdate = 2011-12-17 \| publisher = ]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \| url = http://www.wikileaks-kr.org/dokuwiki/07seoul3225 \| title = US embassy cable - 김경준 송환 사건 \| accessdate = 2011-12-17 \| publisher = \| language = Korean}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| first = Min-yeong (민영) \| last = Choi (최) \| title = “BBK 김경준 송환 미뤄달라” 이명박 후보 측 미국에 요청 \| date = 2011-09-03 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201109030259225&code=910100 \| work = The Hankyoreh \| accessdate = 2011-12-17 \| language = Korean}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \| first = Yong-pil (용필) \| last = Mun (문) \| title = 위키리크스 MB실체 폭로…“사실상 매국” 경악 \| date = 2011-09-05 \| url = http://www.newsface.kr/news/news_view.htm?news_idx=2985 \| work = Newsface \| accessdate = 2011-12-17 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	===Naegok-dong Post-Presidency Residence Issues===
	Lee's acquisition of a house in Seocho-gu's Naegok-dong under his son's name had caused a problem. One of the candidate lands that he sought was a Green Belt area, which could cause any contradiction about his "eco-friendly" governance.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Tae-hui (태희) \| last = Lee (이) \| title = MB 사저터 2곳, 강남 보금자리 옆 그린벨트만 ‘콕콕’ \| date = 2011-10-20 \| url = http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/politics_general/501771.html \| work = The Hankyeoreh \| accessdate = 2011-10-21 \| language = Korean}}</ref> This has spurred many controversies. For instance, a female lobbyist-like civilian with the family name of ] was involved in this Naegok-dong deal with Lee Myung-bak's family members; now currently moved to the USA to avoid a possible arrest.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Jong-jin (종진) \| last = Park (박) \| title = 내곡동땅 '숨겨진 주인' 따로 있나… 미모의 여주인 유모씨가 '비밀의 문' \| date = 2011-10-22 \| url = http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/politics/201110/h2011102212242421000.htm \| work = Hankook Ilbo \| accessdate = 2011-10-29 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	Lee has purchased this land under his son's name, which could potentially violate South Korean real estate laws.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Jae-yong (재용) \| last = Chang (장) \| coauthors = Kim Hoe-gyeong (김회경) \| title = ① 실명제법 위반 가능성 ② 자금은 어디서… 이대통령 내곡동 사저 새롭게 논란 \| date = 2011-11-21 \| url = http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/politics/201111/h2011112102334621000.htm \| work = Hankook Ilbo \| accessdate = 2011-11-25 \| language = Korean}}</ref> The Prosecutors have formally proposed to investigate President Lee's son who was also involved in the contract.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Seok-jo (석조) \| last = Roh (노) \| title = 檢, 내곡동 사저 관련 이시형씨 소환한다… 자금 출처 등 곧 조사 방침 \| date = 2011-11-22 \| url = http://news.kukinews.com/article/view.asp?page=1&gCode=kmi&arcid=0005580649&cp=du \| work = Kuki News \| accessdate = 2011-11-23 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	Legal professor, Lee Sang-don, voiced his opinion that President Lee's Naegok-dong property crisis could justify his ].<ref>{{cite news \| first = O-seong (오성) \| last = Kwon (권) \| title = 보수성향 법대교수 “MB 내곡동 게이트는 탄핵감” \| date = 2011-11-21 \| url = http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/politics_general/506380.html \| work = The Hankyoreh \| accessdate = 2011-11-28 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	===Tax Evasion===
	The spokesperson of the Democratic Party, Lee Yong-seop (이용섭), said that the presidential family's current residence was evading tax by declaring parts of the buildings as ''commercial'' purposes.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Bong-seok (봉석) \| last = Sohn (손) \| title = 민주당 “이 대통령 논현동 사저, 일부 상가로 변경해 탈세” \| date = 2011-10-25 \| url = http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201110251623321&code=910110 \| work = The Kyunghyang Shinmun \| accessdate = 2011-11-19 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	==Inappropriate Remarks==
	*On July 12, 2011, Lee's remarks on the ] spurred an controversy due to his remark interpreted as inculpating against the marine soldiers for failing to adjust to a military lifestyle.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Eun-jeong (은정) \| last = Shin (신) \| coauthors = Kim Hyeon-seop (김현섭) \| title = "해병대 사태, 젊은이 부적응 탓"… MB 발언에 ‘부글부글’ \| date = 2011-07-12 \| url = http://news.kukinews.com/article/view.asp?page=1&gCode=pol&arcid=0005149741&code=41111111&cp=nv1 \| work = Kuki News \| accessdate = 2011-07-28 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	*On September 22, 2011, Lee visited a ] conference in ] and said "it is a relief that I was the president of South Korea during two economic crises".<ref>{{cite news \| first = Yeong-seop (영섭) \| last = Lee (이) \| title = MB "내가 대통령일 때 두번 경제위기 맞아 다행" \| date = 2011-09-23 \| url = http://www.viewsnnews.com/article/view.jsp?seq=79046 \| work = Views&News \| accessdate = 2011-09-25 \| language = Korean}}</ref> This was to express his Mbnomics as a base successful policy and as his position as a ''Economy President'' (]: 경제대통령). On the other hand, his fellow GNP policitan, Lee Han-gu, expressed concerns about the 36.7% increase of South Korea's public debt (881 trillion won) during the ]-led administrative inspection on September 19.<ref>{{cite news \| first = Gwang-weon (광원) \| last = Yoon (윤) \| title = <nowiki></nowiki> 이한구 ″부채 사상최대, 상환능력은 최저 수준″ \| date = 2011-09-19 \| url = http://www.asiatoday.co.kr/news/view.asp?seq=528967 \| work = Asia Today \| accessdate = 2011-09-25 \| language = Korean}}</ref>

	==See also==
	*]
	*], a popular South Korean ] that often lampoons President Lee Myung-bak

	==References==
	{{reflist\|2}}

	]

	]

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