President Lee: "The Purpose of Politics Is to Take Responsibility for Citizens' Lives... Please Join Forces"

Korea Rises Six Spots in National Competitiveness Assessment
"This Is the Result of Citizens' Tireless Efforts"
"The Position of Those in Power Is Not an Opportunity to Seize and Enjoy Happiness"

President Lee Jae-myung stated, "The purpose of politics is not simply to attain power, but to take responsibility for the fate of the nation and the lives of 50 million citizens."

President Lee Jae-myung is answering reporters' questions during a briefing on his participation in the G7 summit and European tour held at the Blue House Press Briefing Room on June 19, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

On June 22, President Lee shared an article on X (formerly Twitter) reporting that the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland announced Korea ranked 21st in this year's national competitiveness assessment, up six places from last year. He wrote, "Not only the real economy but also the nation's competitiveness is gradually improving. This is all the result of the citizens' tireless efforts."

President Lee also added, "Korea is leading the world in every aspect, including politics (democracy), economy (such as semiconductors and defense industry), and culture (such as K-pop), drawing admiration from people around the globe. Please continue to give your strength toward becoming an ideal nation for global citizens, an irreplaceable Korea, and come together to overcome even small differences."

These remarks are being interpreted as a continuation of President Lee's concerns over the domestic political climate, which he previously expressed in a briefing on his European tour, including his comment that he hoped for "competition, not war" amid party leadership contests within the ruling party and ongoing conflict between the ruling and opposition parties.

President Lee further emphasized, "The position of those in power is not an opportunity to seize and enjoy happiness, but a seat of delegated, unlimited responsibility." This is seen as a renewed call for politicians to approach governance with a sense of responsibility for the nation.

In the 2026 national competitiveness assessment by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, Korea ranked 21st among 70 countries surveyed. This is a rise of six places from 27th last year, marking the second highest ranking since Korea was included in the assessment in 1997, following its 20th place in 2024. Notably, among the so-called "30·50 Club" nations—countries with a population over 50 million and per capita income above 30,000 dollars—Korea placed second, following the United States at 10th. Korea outranked Germany (23rd), the United Kingdom (24th), Japan (30th), France (36th), and Italy (45th).

Meanwhile, President Lee shared the results of a police crackdown on "private revenge-for-hire" services and stressed, "No one should ever engage in revenge-for-hire or similar acts," adding, "This constitutes a serious crime that can lead to arrest." He also requested gratitude and encouragement for the hardworking police officers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.