The President of Korea has the power to:
- elect cabinet officials
- can be granted emergency powers
- commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Korea
- elect members of National Assembly
- veto laws
The only non-Korean president was Douglas MacArthur, who served as the Provisional Government Leader of Korea during the late-1940's. He was succeeded by Syngman Rhee.
| # | Portrait | Name | Beginning of Term | Party | End of Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 
|
Douglas MacArthur | 1945 | None (Provisional Government) | 1949 |
| 1 | 
|
Syngman Rhee | 1949 | Democratic | 1960 |
| 2 | 
|
Yun Bo-Seon | 1960 | Democratic | 1972 |
| 4 | 
|
Kim II-sung | 1972 | Nationalist | 1984 |
| 5 | 
|
Kim Jong-il | 1984 | Nationalist | 1996 |
| 6 | 
|
Lee Myung-bak | 1996 | Republican | 2007 |
| 7 | 
|
Lee Jun Ki | 2007 | Nationalist | Incumbent |