Lee Joo-ho

Lee Joo-ho is a South Korean economist and politician who currently serves as the Acting President of South Korea. Born in 1959, he graduated with a degree in International Economics from Seoul National University and earned his PhD in economics from Cornell University. Lee has held various positions within the South Korean government, including Minister of Education, where he advocated for educational reforms to enhance university autonomy and diversify the schooling system. Following the resignation of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, Lee stepped into the role of Acting President on May 2, 2023, marking a significant moment as the first Deputy Prime Minister responsible for the social sector to take on this position amidst a political transition leading up to the presidential elections.