[Editorial] To build back public confidence, Lee must address issues affecting everyday Koreans

Korean President Lee Jae Myung bowed his head during a press conference on Friday, apologizing for not “fully appreciating the unavoidable conflicts and pain that arise in the course of working to safeguard the people’s livelihoods, advancing reform, and building national unity.”

 Lee did not resort to lengthy excuses when addressing public concerns reflected in his approval rating, which has recently fallen into the 30% range. Instead, he remained humble, blaming his “shortcomings.”

 During the press conference, Lee clarified his position on two issues that have been identified as key factors weakening public confidence in his presidency: a constitutional amendment to allow presidents to run for two terms and the dropping of criminal charges against him.  

 Addressing the controversy over whether he sought a constitutional amendment to allow him to serve a second term, he abandoned his previous evasive rhetoric and stated unequivocally, “I have absolutely no intention of seeking another term.”

 As Lee has now used clear and unequivocal language to put the controversy to rest, the political sphere should stop turning the issue into a source of conflict. Furthermore, the ruling and opposition parties should begin earnest discussions on a constitutional amendment that would better reflect the times we are living in.

 Regarding the issue of dropping criminal charges, Lee called on the National Assembly to remove from the pending legislation on special counsel investigations the provisions concerning the transfer and disposition of existing indictments, which he said could result in fabricated indictments, and to focus instead solely on “uncovering the truth.” 

This reflects his acceptance of criticism that granting a special counsel the authority to cancel outstanding charges would create a conflict of interest.

 Lee also acknowledged misjudgments when addressing issues with certain appointments and policies. 

While addressing controversy over his Cabinet picks, he said, “We did our best, but we are to be faulted for not being prepared for additional issues that came to light,” adding that the administration intends to “reexamine” its appointment system going forward.

 On allegations of soliciting favors regarding the approval of a new drug by Kim Seung-won, the president’s pick to serve as justice minister, Lee said that his administration would “make a careful decision, taking into account the expectations of the public.”

 Kim should reflect at length on whether he is a candidate who meets the “expectations of the public,” and decide what would be his best course of action.

 Lee also admitted that the introduction of single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs) might have been “unstable” in terms of “government policy.” However, it was disappointing to hear him remark that he has yet to fully grasp the policy decision-making process.

 “Through follow-up measures, we will absolutely ensure that prosecutors can never again interfere in investigations,” Lee said while appealing to his traditional supporter base, who have expressed doubts about his commitment to prosecutorial reform.

 “I ask that you set aside any suspicions that we are backtracking on reform,” he said.

 Given Lee’s clear emphasis on separating the roles of investigators and prosecutors, the focus now should be on his follow-up measures and how he implements that principle.

 The president also acknowledged the public’s anxiety regarding the transition of the criminal justice system, remarking, “We will resolve any issues that may arise from the absence of the prosecution’s supplementary investigative authority through thorough checks and balances on police investigations.”

 The government and the ruling party must urgently devise trustworthy police reform measures for the public.

 Lee repeatedly stated that he bore “the greatest responsibility” for discord within the ruling party and divisions among supporters that have intensified following the national convention.

 “We all align with former Presidents Moon Jae-in, Roh Moo-hyun, Kim Dae-jung, and, of course, friends and supporters of Lee Jae Myung,” he added, urging people to come together.

 Going forward, Lee must exercise restraint in his words and actions to avoid the misunderstanding that he supports a specific faction. Key figures within the Democratic Party must also set aside their own self-interest and refrain from behavior that foments conflict and division among the party’s base.

 A single press conference will not be enough to instantly regain the public’s confidence or lead to a significant rebound in approval ratings. That said, Lee has conveyed to the public that he takes their concerns seriously.

 If he continues to maintain the humble and attentive attitude he displayed during the briefing while also delivering tangible results on substantive policy issues, he may be able to regain the public’s trust and goodwill. 

Now that the administration has set aside unnecessary and divisive political controversies, it must turn its full attention to improving the livelihoods of the people and advancing reform. 

During his opening remarks on that same day, Lee said, “We have not been able to respond more proactively to the questions of why people’s lives are not improving despite better economic indicators and why some are actually finding themselves worse off.”

 When asked about the appointment of the next Blue House policy chief, Lee commented, “Until now, we have focused on economic recovery and securing growth momentum. However, I am now giving serious thought to the suggestion that we should slightly shift our focus toward strengthening social policies.”

 It is true that criticism has been raised that government policies have been skewed toward economic growth at the expense of distribution. If growth fails to improve people’s lives, it remains nothing more than a number.

 We hope that the president will follow through on the statement that day: “I will focus just as much on improving people’s livelihoods as on recovery and growth.”