Lee Criticizes Media Over Lack of Coverage on Diplomatic Achievements: "Difficult to Expect Support From Groups Losing Vested Interests"

President Lee Posts on X While Returning from Mexico
Shares Claim: "Few Media Reports on Diplomatic Achievements"
"Let’s Not Be Disappointed If the Media Doesn’t Report," He Says
Urges Supporters: "Comments and Likes Are Meaningful Actions Too"

On the 27th, President Lee Jae-myung shared a post highlighting the lack of media outlets reporting on his diplomatic achievements, criticizing, "It is difficult to expect people who pursue reform merely for personal gain, or groups who lose their vested interests through reform, to support or assist reform or its proponents."

At around 7:36 p.m. on the same day, President Lee posted an article titled "Participation and Small Actions Make a Reformed World" on X (formerly Twitter), making these remarks. This post was published as President Lee was returning to Korea after his visits to the United States and Mexico.

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, after their state visit to Mexico, greet the seeing-off guests at Air Force One at Felipe Angeles International Airport in Mexico City on the 26th (local time). 2026.9.27 Yonhap News Agency Photo by Yonhap

President Lee also shared an analysis of the media coverage regarding his overseas trip. The article argued that there were very few reports on President Lee's diplomatic achievements and that many media outlets merely mentioned his return or focused on domestic issues. It also included the view that it is difficult to expect the media to promote President Lee's achievements. In response, President Lee stated, "Let us not be disappointed just because the media does not report or because the YouTube channels we trusted do not inform us," adding, "The work of creating a better world is something we must undertake ourselves, and it is also something we are fully capable of shouldering."

President Lee continued, "Democracy is not created or preserved automatically. Reform that makes the world better does not happen by itself, either," and explained, "Reform requires momentum, and that momentum must come from the people." He further emphasized, "For sustainable reform, reform intent must not be distorted, reform must not be abused for personal gain, the achievements of reform must be properly communicated to the public, and the work of reform must be carried out with the empathy and participation of the people."

Quoting former President Kim Dae-jung's words, "A conscience that does not act sides with evil," and "Even shouting at a wall is necessary," President Lee encouraged supporters by saying, "There are countless ways to take action." President Lee further appealed, "We must constantly reflect so as not to blindly follow information handed to us, ignoring our eyes and ears," and added, "If we do not want our good intentions to be exploited for someone else's profit, or even to be abused for purposes contrary to our convictions, then we must make the effort to access information for ourselves and think critically."

Furthermore, he stated, "Just as risking one's life to stand up to the guns and armored vehicles of martial law troops is courageous, so too is the everyday act of revealing hidden truths and facts—ignored by the media and distorted by YouTubers—through comments, messages, phone calls, and social media posts. Even giving a 'like' to someone's news article comment is an important and necessary action toward creating the world we desire, however small it may seem at the moment."

Additionally, President Lee advised, "Let us respond to lies, abusive language, and slander confidently but with dignified, rational criticism," noting, "Retaliating in kind may feel satisfying, but it is unpersuasive and will only get you labeled as 'just the same as them.' Even those around you may become targets of such criticism." He went on to caution, "There are forces intentionally provoking crude fights. Even if they behave crudely, let us take the high road so that they feel ashamed themselves and so that the public observing can rightfully judge."

However, President Lee added, "I have one request. I cannot do this alone," emphasizing, "The interest and encouragement of the public, and especially the participation and actions of my friends, are essential. I trust that you will join me." He concluded, "Let us work together to build a sensible and rational world, a peaceful and safe society, a country overflowing with equal opportunities and sustainable growth."

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