From the 15th, President Lee to Receive Second Round of Work Briefings: "The Core Axis of State Affairs Is Ministries and Agencies"

President Lee Presides Over Cabinet Meeting
"No More Doing As Told or Following Conventions"
Calls for Autonomous, Responsible Administration by Ministries
Reviews Achievements of NATO and Mongolia Visits
"Diplomatic Gains Must Benefit the Lives of the People"
Marks Third Anniversary of Osong Disaster
Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoon-sik Dispatched as Special Envoy to Qatar

President Lee Jae-myung, ahead of ministry and public institution work briefings starting on July 15, stated, "The core axis of state affairs is not the Blue House, but the ministries, agencies, and commissions of the government," adding, "You must proactively plan and execute your work with a sense of responsibility as the final decision maker." His message was for the government to address problems on its own initiative, rather than waiting for media reports or external audits to point them out.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held at the Blue House on July 14, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News.

At the Cabinet meeting held at the Blue House on July 14, President Lee further emphasized, "While ministries, agencies, and commissions should consider the policy direction of the Blue House, it is clear that the final person responsible for their area of jurisdiction is themselves." He pointed out, "It is not acceptable to simply do as you are told, follow conventional practices, or avoid taking action just because you might have to take responsibility if there is a prosecution or audit." Starting with the Ministry of Economy and Finance on July 15, President Lee will receive work briefings on nine occasions under the slogan "An Unsubstitutable Korea Felt in Everyday Life." Around 20 citizens will participate in each session, and a total of about 200 citizens will engage in these briefings as part of the public participation group.

President Lee cited so-called "grasshopper companies" as an example of the government's passive administration. Recent media reports have highlighted allegations that some companies have been committing illegal acts, such as setting up paper companies and moving their locations to win contracts for Korea Forest Service projects.

President Lee reproached officials, asking, "Why have the Korea Forest Service and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs not noticed this until now? If the media can organize investigative reports, doesn't that mean everyone already knows?" He added, "It is difficult to know everything that happens in the field," further criticizing, "Field-level officials and their superiors who are aware of these issues have been letting them slide."

Continuing, President Lee remarked, "Correcting what is wrong is something that should be done routinely." He emphasized, "There must be constant dialogue between those on the ground and frontline staff. This is why brainstorming or frank discussions without consideration of rank are necessary."

President Lee also stressed that Korea's prosperity cannot be built on economic power alone, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and security. He stated that last week he successfully concluded the government's first summit diplomacy with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and a state visit to Mongolia since the administration took office. "Through this diplomatic itinerary, new horizons have been opened for global cooperation in the defense and high-tech industries, and considerable progress has been made in securing critical mineral supply chains," he evaluated.

He then called for prompt implementation of follow-up measures so that these diplomatic outcomes can yield tangible benefits for people's lives and the economy. President Lee declared, "For Korea to make greater leaps forward and achieve sustainable growth, a stable and peaceful world order is essential." He further pledged, "Based on pragmatic, national-interest-centered diplomacy, Korea will steadfastly fulfill its roles and responsibilities as a globally responsible nation."

President Lee Jaemyung is saluting the national flag during the Cabinet meeting held at the Blue House on July 14, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

After paying tribute to the victims of the Osong Underpass disaster, which marks its third anniversary on July 15, President Lee once again underscored the state's responsibility in disaster response. Referring to the fact that North Chungcheong Province will actively host a memorial event for the first time this year, he commented, "It is truly regrettable that it took three years for something that should have been done as a matter of course," offering his condolences to the victims and deep sympathy to the bereaved families. He went on to stress, "Not even the smallest gap can be allowed when it comes to protecting the lives of the people," emphasizing, "When it comes to safety issues, excessive response is far better than insufficient action."

Meanwhile, President Lee sent a condolence message on the passing of the former Emir of Qatar and dispatched Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoon-sik as special envoy for the funeral. This dispatch of Secretary Kang as special envoy was carried out at the request of the Qatari side. The Korean government has, in the past, sent cabinet ministers as special envoys when monarchs of Gulf states in the Middle East have passed away, but it was reported that in this instance, Qatar specifically requested Secretary Kang's visit. Secretary Kang departed for Qatar that day and, after completing the condolence schedule, will return to Korea on July 16.

The late former Emir Hamad took power by ousting his father in a coup in 1995 and ruled Qatar until 2013. He is credited with leading Qatar's modernization, including the founding of Al Jazeera and the hosting of the 2022 World Cup. Known as the "architect of modern Qatar," he abdicated the throne in 2013, passing power to his son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, after an 18-year reign.

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