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.