2025 Trump vs Lee Jae-myung: The Defendant Who Became President, Two Diverging Paths of Democracy

The Counteroffensive of the Law: The Defendant Who Became President

Donald Trump became president while facing multiple charges, including leaking classified documents, election interference, and inciting a riot. He attempts to use presidential powers to evade legal accountability, but the courts are countering his efforts. Trump pressures the judiciary, threatening to impeach judges unfavorable to him, and is pushing legislation in collaboration with the legislature to weaken judicial power. In contrast, President Lee Jae-myung fought according to legal procedures even during his time as opposition leader, enduring investigations by the prosecution and political oppression, ultimately gaining the people's support to become president. Although both faced the same laws and systems, their attitudes were starkly different, which became a crucial factor in determining the legitimacy of power.

Political Isolation and the Power of Support

Trump still wields significant influence within the Republican Party, but he is facing backlash from centrists, independents, younger generations, and minority groups. Immigration restrictions, the repeal of minority affirmative action policies, and press suppression are deepening the divisions in American society, and the 2026 midterm elections will be a crucial test of his political survival. In contrast, President Lee Jae-myung emphasizes social integration, presents institutional solutions, and has seized power with the support of the citizens. Power supported by the citizens can wield a much stronger force than power that lacks such support.

Resistance in the Streets: America's 'No Kings', Korea's 'Revolution of Light'

In June 2025, the 'No Kings' protest, with millions participating across the United States, is evolving into a new movement for civic revolution beyond just an anti-government demonstration. Notably, the symbols and slogans used in South Korea's 'Revolution of Light' are being actively employed in U.S. protests. Phrases such as 'Light overcomes darkness' and 'We do not want kings' are appearing simultaneously in Korean and English on the streets of America. This showcases that citizen societies around the world are sharing methods and spirits in resisting authoritarianism.

Counterproductive Effects of Force Control

Trump responded strongly to the 'No Kings' protests. He dispatched troops without the California governor's consent and deployed the Marines to LA. This raised issues of sovereignty violation and constitutional controversy, and combined with attempts at media censorship and internet control, it significantly undermined the credibility of American democracy. In contrast, during Korea's 'Revolution of Light', the Moon Jae-in - Lee Jae-myung camp utilized the protests as a political asset, and President Lee Jae-myung succeeded in transforming citizens' participation into institutional energy. This shows that the way power responds to public protests can determine the success or failure of a regime.

Conclusion: The Fate of Two Individuals, The Direction of Two Democracies

Donald Trump and Lee Jae-myung took different paths to become president. Trump sought to place himself above the law, whereas Lee proved himself through the law. Trump attempted to suppress the citizens' outcry with force, while Lee found the legitimacy of power in that outcry. The stories of these two individuals provide important lessons on how democracy should function and how power can collapse. Trump's downfall is not merely a possibility but an ongoing reality. And the clock on that downfall will not stop.