President Lee: "Public Disappointment Is All Due to My Shortcomings, I Sincerely Apologize"

President Lee Holds Seventh Press Conference Since Taking Office on the 18th

"Lost Humility Amid Public Support... I Will Tie My Shoelaces Again"

President Lee Jae-myung expressed his regret regarding the recent sharp decline in his approval ratings, stating, "I am deeply sorry," and attributed the situation to "my own shortcomings."

On September 18, at the Blue House Reception Hall, President Lee held his seventh press conference since taking office, under the theme "The Will of the People, The Lives of the People, We Will Care More," and made these remarks. He added, "It is true that I was somewhat taken aback by the sudden disappointment and concern expressed by the people following the local elections," and explained, "However, after much reflection and self-examination, my conclusion is that 'the people are always right.'"

President Lee Jae-myung is listening to reporters' questions at a press conference held at the Blue House Reception Hall on the 18th. September 18, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee apologized, saying, "Faced with too many challenges, my mind was occupied and I failed to truly understand the hearts of more people," adding, "Believing that one must prove oneself not through clear statements or declarations, but through results achieved by action, I was unable to fully empathize with the conflicts and pains that inevitably arise in the process of improving people's livelihoods, reform, and national unity."

He continued, "Amid small accomplishments and the great support received from the people, my sense of fear and humility diminished," and admitted, "Because authority must be used solely for the people and the nation, I should have approached my work with a more service-minded attitude." Regarding the difficult economic situation, he further acknowledged, "I was unable to respond more actively to the question, 'If the economic indicators have improved, why is my own life not changing? In fact, why is it getting worse?'"

President Lee pledged, "I will retie my shoelaces," vowing, "So that those who have given their trust and affection during our shared historical difficulties will not be disappointed any longer, and so that the pain and sense of loss felt by those struggling with reform will be minimized. I will communicate more, respect more, and be more careful and attentive."

However, President Lee made it clear that he would maintain the direction of reform. He said, "There have been criticisms that integration has blurred reform, and suspicion about the sincerity of integration while pursuing reform," but added, "I can say firmly that it is shortcomings in the process and approach on the part of myself and the government, not a change in the direction we should pursue."

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