[INTERVIEW] Photographer behind President Lee Jae-myungs image

When Lee Jae-myung launched his final presidential campaign, one photograph stood out: a direct, unembellished front-facing portrait. It was a stark departure from the typical “politician angle” of profile poses and polished smiles. The image, showing Lee with a calm and composed expression, filled the frame with clarity and intent. It was hailed by some as a masterstroke in visual communication — a portrait that aimed to reverse negative preconceptions and present Lee not as a combative figure but as a composed, grounded leader. The man behind the lens was Kang Young-ho, a veteran photographer better known in past decades for iconic movie posters and commercial imagery. “I didn’t want to beautify him or add artificial flair,” Kang told the Hankook Ilbo in a recent interview. “The goal was to convey a message — that he’s ready to face the people directly.” That message, Kang said, was “taeyeonjayak,” a Korean expression meaning “serene and unshaken.” He captured the photograph in a studio in Mapo District, Seoul, where Lee’s campaign team gathered for the offi

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