As concerns arise regarding President Lee Jae-myung's use of social media and live broadcasts of cabinet meetings, he emphasized that "communication with the public is my lifeline" and expressed his intention to maintain his unique approach to engagement.
During the inaugural episode of the YouTube program 'President Y' aired on the evening of November 5, President Lee responded to those who claim to be "trapped by algorithms" by stating, "I am not trapped."
He noted, "The more authority one has, the more people around them tend to say only good things. I appreciate those who tell me the truth as it is," adding, "That’s why I receive many comments on Twitter (now X). I see insults and criticisms as well."
In response to suggestions to reduce his social media activity, he acknowledged, "There is some validity to that," and remarked, "It sounds the same as asking why the president meets people in person." He further explained, "I believe there are people living on social media, and they are citizens of South Korea. I often gain ideas from them."
Addressing concerns that his social media presence could lead to controversy, he stated, "Policies naturally invite debate due to differing positions, and controversy is not a bad thing." He dismissed the notion that he should verify the backgrounds of all authors of posts he cites on social media, saying, "We are having a conversation in the present."
Regarding the continuation of live broadcasts of cabinet meetings, he questioned, "If cabinet meetings were kept private, would a coup have been possible?" He asserted, "The public work of the president is the people's business, and it should be shown to the owner."
When asked if live broadcasts might inhibit cabinet members' comments or expose inappropriate moments, he acknowledged the risks but stated, "There are times when errors or inappropriate moments are revealed, but it is still bearable for now."
He added, "I appoint special inspectors because it is desirable for that to be public. It has a preventive effect and increases trust, so I plan to continue this practice."
President Lee reflected on his experiences, saying, "Throughout my life, I have often been attacked by the media, politics, and power. If I hadn’t communicated directly with the public during those times, I wouldn’t be here now." He emphasized, "While the media conveys information, it is not sufficient. For me, it is like a lifeline."
In response to concerns about whether he sleeps well, he joked, "I didn’t inherit wealth from my parents, but I did inherit good traits. The first is stamina, and the second is fair skin." He explained that he works late into the night reviewing materials and writing necessary documents, adding, "When I put my head down for a minute or five, I feel refreshed."
He reassured, "Since my activities are highly visible, I think people worry that I might lose my composure, but that is not the case at all. I sleep well."
President Lee also announced plans to expand real-time communication through YouTube, stating, "I think it would be good to do more live broadcasts in the future. I am considering doing surprise live broadcasts from my office as well," expressing his commitment to show his true self to the public.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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