[Edaily Reporter Hwang Byeong Seo ] On the 18th, President Lee Jae-myung stated, “After much deliberation and reflection, I have come to the conclusion that ‘the people are always right,’” adding, “It is all due to my own shortcomings.” He also said, “We who dream of the ideals of democracy, progress, and reform and take action for a better world are all supporters of Moon Jae-in, Roh Moo-hyun, and Kim Dae-jung—and we are Lee Jae-myung’s comrades.”

President Lee made these remarks during his seventh press conference since taking office, held that day at the Blue House State Guest House, stating, “The President of the Republic of Korea must be the president of all the people of Korea.” President Lee said, “I will rekindle my reverence for the people and approach all matters with greater care, humility, and intensity,” adding, “The highest goal of state affairs is the people’s livelihood—that is, creating a better life for the people and a brighter future for the nation.” He continued, “I have constantly agonized over how to harmonize the methods and pace of reform with the scope of national unity,” noting, “I have been criticized for allowing reform to lose focus in the pursuit of unity, and my sincerity toward unity has been questioned while pushing for reform.”
He emphasized, “However, I firmly state that while the government and I may have fallen short in the process and methods, the direction we are heading has not changed,” adding, “The historic mandate to put the spirit of the ‘Coalition of Light’ for sweeping social reform into practice in the real world remains the compass for ‘Reform President’ Lee Jae-myung.”
President Lee remarked in particular, “It is heartbreaking to see those who risked their lives to overcome civil strife and wholeheartedly worked together for the success of a government based on popular sovereignty now exchanging words of hatred with one another.” He continued, “It breaks my heart to see someone who dreamed of and worked toward a better world being singled out for exclusion, leaving them wounded and in pain.” He continued, “We who dream of the ideals of democracy, progress, and reform and act for a better world are all pro-Moon, pro-Roh, pro-Kim Dae-jung, and comrades of Lee Jae-myung,” adding, “While there may be countless causes and factors behind this heartbreaking reality, I, as the Democratic Party’s top member and the nation’s highest-ranking official, bear the greatest responsibility.”
Regarding re-election, he said, “My re-election through a constitutional amendment is constitutionally impossible, and I have made it clear on numerous occasions and through various channels that I have never even considered seeking a second term.” He continued, “Therefore, I viewed the demand that I promise not to seek re-election as a political attack aimed at creating the narrative that I had initially planned to run but then gave up.” He continued, “Nevertheless, I would like to take this opportunity to state once again unequivocally,” emphasizing, “I have absolutely no intention of seeking a second term.”
President Lee stated, “In the Republic of Korea, a democratic republic, sovereignty resides with the people, and all power—including the authority to appoint officials—derives from the people,” adding, “I will respect the will of the people, the sovereign, to the utmost extent when exercising all state power, including personnel administration.” He continued, “I will also take this opportunity to reexamine the personnel system,” noting, “As I always say, even though it may seem that politicians are the ones who engage in politics, ultimately, it is the people who do so. The people are always right.”