Over 60 years, the Republic of Korea (ROK) has been led by a tireless independence fighter, hard-nosed generals and dedicated advocates of democracy, human rights and reconciliation with the North.

Now, for the first time, a man who made his name in the corporate boardroom is about to become president of a country occasionally dubbed Korea Inc for the influence big business has played in its development.

Lee Myung-bak, set to start a single five-year term on Monday, inherits an economy that grew nearly 5 percent last year, boasts a bevy of world-class companies, and draws on a work force with a passion for education.