President Lee: 'I Will Never Abandon Reform Goals and Values'

President Lee Jae-myung stated on September 12 that he has "never abandoned the goals and values of reform," but acknowledged that excessive and rapid reform processes could provoke backlash and resistance. He emphasized the need to maintain the direction of reform while achieving effective results based on public consensus and procedures.

On this day, President Lee quoted a post by Park Tae-hoon, head of the Youth Research Institute, evaluating his commitment to reform, saying, "There is not a single incorrect statement in your remarks."

He highlighted that whether it was the 25-year-old Lee Jae-myung who abandoned a career as a judge and prosecutor to become a human rights lawyer or the current Lee Jae-myung in 2026, who is striving to lead South Korea toward a new hope as an 'irreplaceable Korea,' his dreams of a 'world of mutual support' and 'a world where we live together' have not changed.

President Lee remarked, "Reform is more difficult than revolution," noting that history is replete with unfortunate examples where the excesses and speed of revolutionary fervor led to counter-revolutionary misfortunes.

He added that reform must be as empathetic as possible, delicate, and procedural, minimizing pain and resistance while proving its effectiveness.

He specifically warned against the competition for clarity within the reform camp. President Lee cautioned that one must be wary of radical agitation that exploits the pure aspirations of some for revolutionary change, as it can lead to resistance and backlash.

He stated, "Ultimately, this can hinder reform and provoke a backlash, and the greatest obstacle to reform is the obstruction of reform in the name of reform."

He also emphasized the importance of responsibility that comes with authority. President Lee said, "When there is no authority, there is no responsibility, and the harm of irresponsible claims is not significant, but when one has authority, they must bear infinite responsibility."

Furthermore, he noted, "The election that determines who will represent everyone is different from a war that decides who will take everything. Public office should be for the service of all."

President Lee stressed the principle of public personnel appointments based on ability and responsibility, stating, "To appoint someone who is incompetent and corrupt simply because they are close is a shortcut to failure and an attitude of a conqueror, not a representative."

He acknowledged that during the process of good change, or reform, the resistance and pain from those deprived of benefits due to change are significant, while the support and empathy from those who benefit are minimal. He remarked, "Reform inevitably comes with backlash, but without reform, there is no backlash."

President Lee concluded by expressing his hope that everyone can move together toward a self-reliant, peaceful, and safe nation that is democratic, equitable, and inclusive in its growth.