The recent return of former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon to South Korea, following a yearlong academic sabbatical in the U.S., has attracted significant attention in political circles.

As a major figure in the previous Moon administration, and the runner up for the progressive nomination ahead of the most recent presidential election, Lee could influence intra-party dynamics within the Democratic Party with his return and potentially reignite factional tensions. Additionally, his return could impact the People Power Party’s prospects in the forthcoming April parliamentary elections.

When Lee Nak-yeon left South Korea a year ago, the Yoon administration had recently been inaugurated,