[Seoul=Newsis] Reporter Go Beom-jun – President Lee Jae-myung received questions from reporters at a press conference titled “30 Days of the President: The Media Asks, The People Answer,” held at the Blue House Guest House on the 3rd. 2025.07.03. bjko@newsis.com
(Seoul=Newsis) Reporter Kim Kyung-rok = President Lee Jae-myung held a press conference titled “30 Days of the President: The Media Asks, The People Answer” at the Blue House Guest House on the 3rd.
The following are excerpts from the Q&A with President Lee.
Q: Congratulations on your first 30 days in office. Thank you for arranging this opportunity to communicate with the public and the media so quickly. Can you share your reflections and any memorable achievements or regrets from the past month, especially considering your busy schedule that included the G7 summit? Additionally, you’ve emphasized integration and cooperation, showing intent to realize this through appointments and meetings with party leaders. However, there’s dissatisfaction from the opposition about parliamentary operations, and some suggest more concessions from you for smoother governance. Could you discuss any plans, like regular summit meetings with opposition leaders, to achieve this?
A: Thank you for the comprehensive praise and question. These past 30 days felt like weeks rather than days. I’ve noticed how my movements cause significant mobilization from security and administrative staff, leading me to work from the residence on weekends. Despite the absence of a transition committee, causing some confusion and imperfection in preparation, I feel we are on track.
Seeing my aides exhausted and losing weight makes me realize we need to overcome challenges collectively. I believe our hard work compensates for the lack of time. Despite difficulties, I find fulfillment in some areas. The stock market response, reflecting our systemic normalization, reinforces my confidence in progress and economic policy effectiveness.
Regarding appointments, the relationship between integration, cooperation, and staffing is crucial. Though there’s criticism and room for improvement, my role as a president is to represent all citizens, requiring a balanced approach. Differences, while uncomfortable, are sources of synergy. We need to integrate capable individuals irrespective of their background, ensuring a cooperative government. If anyone had flaws, we aim to correct them while utilizing their potential. Responding to opposition concerns is key, requiring ongoing dialogue and respectful meetings.
The realization of regular summit meetings is something to be considered; I believe open, trustworthy communication, whether official or unofficial, should increase trust and reduce unnecessary barriers. Concessions might be necessary if they don’t affect essential goals or moral correctness. We should protect against deals that compromise ethical standards or fundamental principles.
Regarding the four and a half-day workweek, it’s a debated topic. The emphasis should be on reducing working hours for healthier lifestyles and to enhance productivity. Rather than enforced legislation, gradual changes through social dialogue seem essential. While this might initially benefit public sectors disproportionately, with time, a societal shift could establish it as a more universal standard.
In terms of North-South relations, regions like Gangwon and Northern Gyeonggi suffer from division-induced economic hardships. Our efforts towards peace, reducing military tensions, and promoting dialogue should improve local economies, and international perceptions of Korea. A robust security infrastructure, anchored in international alliances, supports a peaceful engagement policy. Progress may be slow, but we must approach with strategic patience and emotional intelligence.
On fiscal ambitions like public financial support for economic recovery, experiences suggest improved local economies. The exact impact remains speculative, with differing expert opinions on consumption stimuli versus infrastructure investments. Nevertheless, the empathy-driven redistribution intention of this fiscal policy remains significant, aiming at social balance and grassroots economic revitalization.
For ensuring regional development to counteract over-concentration in metropolitan areas, considering weighted allocations and proactive policies that favor underdeveloped regions might help. Agencies like the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries relocating could be contentious, but strategic, considering nationwide balance.
Lastly, essential institutions and supporting infrastructures might require consolidation for stronger synergy, with mindful navigation of local political complexities such as opposing regional priorities.
The ongoing discourse about presidential power amid strong party representation in parliament requires reflection on democratic processes. Self-imposed oversight mechanisms are critical, ensuring transparency, and integrity. The involvement of special inspectors reflects a commitment to prevent misconduct and promote accountability.
These proposals and responses reflect current considerations, evolving with context and broader policy implementation scopes. Thank you.