[Mexico City = E-Daily Reporter Kim Sang-yoon] President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a state visit to Mexico, said on the 24th (local time) regarding reform discussions, “We need to exercise appropriate restraint; if we move too fast, too far, or too hastily, we will face a backlash.”

Speaking at a dinner meeting with Korean expatriates in Mexico City that day, President Lee said, “It would be nice to get it all done at once, boldly and with fanfare, but that’s not easy. We must minimize resistance and backlash as much as possible and produce effective, practical, and tangible results.” This is interpreted as expressing a negative view of hardline reformist positions.

In explaining this, President Lee cited the debate over the abolition of the National Security Act during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, recalling, “The ruling and opposition parties had nearly reached an agreement to delete a few problematic clauses, but someone opposed it, saying, ‘It must be abolished (entirely).’” He added, “As a result, the other side ultimately opposed the abolition, so even the deletion of the problematic clauses didn’t happen.” This remark is interpreted as a reference to writer Yu Si-min, who had advocated for the abolition of the National Security Act at the time.

These remarks draw particular attention given that the Blue House recently expressed regret over writer Yoo’s criticism that President Lee had “deceived the public” regarding his remarks on prosecutorial reform. On the 22nd, on the Media Today YouTube channel, Yoo stated, “The prosecution reform President Lee had in mind was completely different from what we envisioned, the Democratic Party of Korea’s position, or what was presented as the President’s campaign pledge,” adding, “The President has been deceiving the public all along.” The Blue House immediately responded, saying, “We regret the distortion of the President’s commitment to prosecution reform, which contradicts the facts.”

President Lee pointed out, “That is why, even recently, someone was subjected to a search and seizure because that provision of the National Security Act is still in effect,” adding, “Making exaggerated claims to demonstrate one’s ideological clarity may look impressive, but it is not easy to produce good results in reality.” President Lee also noted, “Similar situations are still unfolding today.”

President Lee acknowledged, “Whether it’s healthcare reform, public enterprise reform, or public service reform, we’re doing a lot in our own way, and there are achievements,” but he also lamented, “Reform isn’t an easy task—it’s not like raising funds for the independence movement and joining the cause.” He was implying that the process of pushing for reform is, in reality, no easy feat.

President Lee stated, “There are people who benefit from the current system,” adding, “There is something called the ‘power of negativity’; though they are few in number, they wield significant influence.” This suggests that voices of opposition are inevitably louder than those of support. He emphasized, “That is why the world does not change easily, and negative circumstances continue to accumulate,” and stressed, “Therefore, we must prepare thoroughly.”

President Lee also reiterated that he would not seek an extension of his term. “I will ensure that the Republic of Korea is well taken care of, at least during my tenure, so that you need not worry,” he said, adding, “Under no circumstances will my term extend beyond June 2, 2030.” June 2030 marks the end of his term. This is interpreted as a clear reaffirmation of his intention not to seek re-election.

Earlier, on the 18th, President Lee stated at a press conference at the Blue House, “My re-election through a constitutional amendment is constitutionally impossible,” adding, “I state this firmly once again: I have absolutely no intention of seeking re-election.”