▲ President Lee Jae-myung answers questions from reporters during a briefing on the results of his G7 attendance and European tour, held at the Chunchugwan press center of Cheong Wa Dae on June 19.
President Lee Jae-myung said regarding recent concerns in political circles over conflicts between Cheong Wa Dae, the government, and the Democratic Party of Korea, "Although it may look like there is a huge conflict between the Democratic Party and the government, I believe it is a process to make things better."
President Lee made the remarks today (June 19) during a briefing at the Chunchugwan press center of Cheong Wa Dae, saying, "The relationship between the party and the government is both one and separate. They are separate yet one. They can encourage each other, and point out if something is wrong."
He added, "The party can also offer necessary harsh advice to the government. I do not think they should only say good things."
President Lee emphasized, "The party-government relationship must go well. In that regard, I feel a sort of sense of duty."
President Lee's message is interpreted as meaning that the party and the government can sufficiently point out each other's flaws, and there is no need to treat critical remarks about each other as a taboo.
In the same context, President Lee once again emphasized the role of the ruling party.
"The conclusion is that politics is about gathering many supporters and people who empathize," President Lee said. "Politics must always be inclusive."
"When you are a minority opposition party, you must rally your supporters as much as possible to survive. Where is the time to be inclusive?" President Lee stressed. "But once you become the ruling party, the stance changes."
He added, "We must produce results through practice and action, and those results must be useful to the public. Only then will more people empathize."
Regarding appointments, he emphasized the need for inclusive personnel selection that is not confined to one's own camp, saying, "Some may ask, 'Why aren't you using our side and instead using the other side?' or say, 'Our side, who fought together, feels disappointed.' However, for positions where work needs to be done, we must appoint capable people, not just those who are close to us."
Regarding a cabinet reshuffle, he shared his basic vision, saying, "If the period up until now was focused on cleaning up the messy state affairs, untangling the knots, and focusing on reform, the next period is about properly pushing forward newly planned tasks, so I believe we should reorganize accordingly."
However, he noted that he cannot receive recommendations from Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who is scheduled to step down, and explained that the cabinet reshuffle could proceed once the new prime minister begins their duties.
President Lee also expressed concern over the overheating competition for the leadership of the Democratic Party.
First, regarding the decline in his approval rating following the local elections, President Lee said, "Nothing has changed in state affairs or policies since the election day, but the approval rating is plummeting. This is a public evaluation that we must take seriously," adding, "Doesn't it mean that the number of people who dislike President Lee Jae-myung has increased?"
In particular, he diagnosed, "There may be various analyses, but isn't the cause the thought of 'Why are they fighting when it's so hard to make a living?' We must make efforts to resolve this situation as quickly as possible."
This is seen as reflecting his perception that the intensifying conflict within the ruling camp is leading to a decline in the government's approval rating.
President Lee then pointed out, "I really want to say one thing regarding the competition and conflict within the Democratic Party. Please do not fight like enemies. How can people within the same camp wage a war instead of a competition?"
President Lee criticized, "Using a 'strawman tactic'—making up non-existent facts to attack—is a bad thing. There are always people who hide to insult and disparage, and I don't even want to look at them. What happens if you fight to the death and actually kill someone?"
Furthermore, he scolded, "The same goes for relations between the ruling and opposition parties. They make up non-existent facts to slander, and why are their expressions so cheap? They are not doing politics; they are engaging in a gang fight."
Regarding People Power Party floor leader Chung Jeom-sik's remark earlier today that "the president and the government should not be intoxicated and self-congratulatory over the KOSPI reaching 9,000 for the first time in history," President Lee countered, "When did I congratulate myself? I am being cautious, so I am intentionally not talking about stock prices. Are they making up stories?"
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.