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

On September 27, President Lee Jae-myung shared a post highlighting that "few media outlets reported on diplomatic achievements," criticizing that "it is difficult to expect those who use reform as a means for pursuing personal interests, or groups that would lose their existing privileges due to reform, to contribute to or support the reform process and its stakeholders."

At 7:36 p.m. that day, President Lee made these remarks in a post titled "Participation and Small Actions Make a Reformed World" on X (formerly Twitter). This post was published while President Lee was returning to Korea after his official 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

Together with his post, President Lee shared an article that analyzed reporting on the overseas visits. The article argued that "there was very little coverage of President Lee's diplomatic accomplishments, and many media outlets simply mentioned his return or referred to domestic issues." It also noted that "there is no expectation that the media will promote President Lee’s achievements." In response, President Lee said, "Let's not be disappointed if the media does not report it, or if the YouTube channel we trusted does not inform us," adding, "Creating a better world is a responsibility we must bear ourselves, and it is something we are fully capable of accomplishing."

He continued, "Democracy neither creates itself nor preserves itself automatically. Likewise, reform that creates a better world does not happen on its own," explaining, "Reform also needs driving force, and that force comes from the people." He emphasized, "For sustainable reform to be possible, the will for reform must not be distorted, reform should not be exploited for private gain, the achievements of reform need to be properly communicated to the people, and the process of reform must be carried out together with the public through their empathy."

President Lee also referenced former President Kim Dae-jung’s words, "A conscience that does not act stands on the side of evil," and "Even if it means shouting at a wall, you must do it," to encourage his supporters, reassuring them, "There is no limit to the ways in which we can act." President Lee urged, "We must constantly reflect to prevent ourselves from blindly following without seeing or hearing the information presented to us," and added, "If we do not want our goodwill to be used for someone else's profit, or even be exploited to create a world contrary to our own intentions, we must not be lazy about acquiring information for ourselves and thinking critically."

He went on to say, "Just as risking one's life to stand up to guns and tanks of martial law troops is important, so too is sharing hidden truths and facts—overlooked by the media and manipulated by some YouTubers—in our everyday lives, whether through comments, messages, phone calls, or posts on social media. Even simply pressing the 'like' button on a comment or article is an essential and meaningful action in creating the world we desire, if only in that moment."

In addition, President Lee advised, "Let us respond to lies, abusive language, and slander in a dignified manner with rational and respectable criticism. While it may feel satisfying to retaliate in kind, that lacks persuasiveness and only leads to accusations that we are 'no different.' Even those around us may become targets for such criticism." He added, "There are groups who deliberately attempt to instigate base conflicts," and encouraged, "Even if they stoop to a disgraceful level, let us remain dignified, so that they themselves feel ashamed and so that the public can make their own evaluation."

However, President Lee added, "I have a request. It is difficult to do this alone," stating, "The public’s interest and encouragement are essential—especially the participation and actions of 'President's friends.' I trust you will join me." He concluded, "Let us work together to build a world that is sensible and rational, a society that is peaceful and safe, and a country that continues to grow, overflowing with fair opportunities for all."

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