President Lee Jae Myung held a New Year press conference on Wednesday, outlining his administration’s policy vision for its second year in office.
The conference, themed A Major Transition Achieved Together, A Great Leap for All, took place at the Blue House State Guest House and lasted 173 minutes, the longest since the civilian government era. Over 160 domestic and foreign journalists attended, posing 25 questions, which President Lee answered in his characteristically direct style.
Prosecutorial Reform and Lee Hye-hoon’s Nomination as Challenges
President Lee identified prosecutorial reform and the nomination of Lee Hye-hoon as Minister of Planning and Budget as significant challenges.
Addressing allegations against Minister Lee, President Lee said that there seem to be issues, and the public has concerns. However, shouldn’t it also hear the explanations?
He continued that how do we know if Minister Lee mistreated her aides? She’s been nominated by her party five times and elected to the National Assembly thrice without issues. He criticized the People Power Party’s attacks, questioning, Is this politics or reality?
Regarding doubts about prosecutorial reform within his party, President Lee stated that it has suffered greatly at the hands of the prosecution. The country almost collapsed, he nearly died. He expressed frustration, saying that the government is assumed to be granting the prosecution supplementary investigative powers, leading to claims of Lee Jae Myung’s betrayal. Withdraw support.
President Lee emphasized that the core of prosecutorial reform isn’t about stripping power from the prosecution; that’s just a means. The true goal is protecting citizens’ rights, safeguarding human rights, and ensuring proper punishment for offenders.
Rebutting Submissive Stance Criticism on North Korea Policy
President Lee strongly countered criticism of the government’s North Korea policy.
He cited Korean Peninsula risks as a factor in stock market undervaluation, stating that people talk about a submissive stance. Should it take an aggressive approach against North Korea?
Targeting media criticism following a recent North Korean drone incursion, Lee said, Are you writing such foolish editorials? Should we take an aggressive stance? That would ruin the economy.
He added that does a household head maintain a job without any patience? It endures because it benefits the lives; it persuades and comfort each other.
Humorous Response to Chief of Staff’s Potential Election Run
President Lee responded wittily to questions about Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik’s possible local election candidacy.
When a reporter mentioned supporters claiming Lee and Kang share a special bond, Lee quipped, I love my wife, drawing laughter. Kang smiled, shaking his head at nearby staff.
Lee joked to Kang, When did we become lovers? That’s gross, adding that he loves everyone. Kang waved his hand, saying that’s not true.
President Lee noted the unpredictability of political choices, saying that he can’t dictate someone’s political decisions. It’s completely unpredictable. Politics is like a live frog; you never know where it’ll jump.
President Lee also emphasized the need to support the culture and arts sector.
He remarked that the culture and arts sector is like a flower blooming brilliantly, but with rotting roots. Referring to Netflix, he said, What’s this flix? They’re taking everything, leaving no room for domestic productions.
Lee concluded that the South Korean industry can’t survive. It needs institutional support and production funding. There’s much to do, but it is currently falling short.