Before the events of 3 December 2024, South Korea's new president Lee Jae–myung's path to power was littered with obstacles. Ongoing legal cases, investigations for corruption and allegations of abusing power looked set to derail the former opposition leader's second presidential bid. Then a constitutional crisis changed everything.

Left-leaning election winner has previously made controversial foreign policy statements and could move Seoul closer to Beijing, at a time when North Korea poses a growing threat.