Lee Myung-bak

A Defense Security Command unit nicknamed "Sparta" conducted online operations to support the government and attack its critics. In January 2026, suspended sentences imposed on former presidential officials for their role in this manipulation were made public.

Legal status — source text

Former presidential aides received suspended sentences; no personal conviction of Lee identified

Attribution

Political responsibility

Documents and subsequent investigations revealed that, under Lee's administration, the NIS had collected detailed information on lawmakers, civic organisations, media outlets and other figures to assess their political positions and, in some cases, prepare pressure campaigns.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Agency conduct documented; no personal conviction of Lee for ordering the surveillance

Attribution

Political responsibility

Under Lee, the National Intelligence Service ran online campaigns designed to influence public opinion and domestic politics. Its former director, Won Sei-hoon, was convicted of directing illegal operations, notably around the 2012 presidential election.

State of the evidence

Established by a court

Legal status — source text

Former NIS chief Won Sei-hoon convicted; no personal criminal conviction of Lee in this event

Attribution

Political responsibility

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

Following an internal investigation, the NIS acknowledged drawing up, under Lee, a list of cultural figures perceived as hostile to the government and conducting actions intended to reduce their influence or media opportunities.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

No separate personal conviction of Lee established

Attribution

Political responsibility

Lee's administration encouraged public companies to acquire energy and mining resources abroad aggressively. Subsequent audits identified substantial losses and write-downs, prompting a parliamentary investigation and strong criticism of due diligence and governance.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

No personal conviction of Lee identified for the investment losses

Attribution

Political responsibility

The purchase of land in Naegok-dong for Lee's future residence raised suspicions that the presidential security service had borne an excessive share of the cost to benefit his son. A special prosecutor investigated, and former security officials were convicted.

Legal status — source text

Former presidential security officials convicted; Lee and his son not convicted over the core land-purchase allegations

Attribution

Political responsibility

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

The vast Four Major Rivers restoration programme, a flagship project of Lee's administration, faced strong opposition because of its cost, environmental impact and rapid implementation. Subsequent audits also criticised certain aspects of planning and management.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility