President Lee: "I'll Keep Communicating on Social Media Despite Criticism That I Lack Dignity... Roh Moohyun Comes to Mind"

"The President Is the Public's Foremost Servant"
"Politics and Power Should Be Directed Toward Those at the Bottom"
Recalls Promise from His First Presidential Run to Be "Right Beside the People"
Reaffirms Commitment

President Lee Jaemyung made clear that he would continue a style of politics based on communicating directly with the people, despite criticism of his social media outreach and visits to local communities. His direct communication has recently drawn praise from those who say the person responsible for running the government is explaining policies and the reasoning behind his decisions to the public himself. At the same time, concerns have been raised that frequent messages could fuel unnecessary political controversy.

President Lee Jaemyung speaks at the National Briefing on the Korean-Style Green Transformation (K-GX) Strategy, held at a conference venue in Seoul on Oct. 7, 2026. Yonhap News

On the night of October 10, Lee wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Some will criticize me, saying I lack dignity and authority, but I will continue visiting the places where people live and work in back alleys with minimal security, communicating on social media, and connecting with people in their own language. That is because the president is the people's chief public servant."

Lee stressed his original purpose in entering politics, saying, "Unless the goal is to build a better world where more people can live happier lives, there is no reason to keep doing the difficult work of politics."

The message came in response to a post by a social media user who recalled remarks Lee made when he first ran for president, saying that he had kept his promise even after becoming president.

Lee again shared what he had told the public at the time: "My fellow citizens, do not look up to that high place. Lee Jaemyung is not there. That is because Lee Jaemyung will always be right beside you." He added, "The sentiment and resolve I expressed to the people when I first ran for president have not changed for even a moment."

He also highlighted how visiting communities to see firsthand how ordinary people live serves as an important reminder of his responsibilities as president. Lee said, "For me, these moments are incredibly precious and something I cannot give up: speaking with the parents, siblings and children who live in narrow back alleys, who have little power and few possessions and are marginalized, yet work harder than anyone, feeling their presence, and reminding myself of the immense responsibility of governing."

Lee also recalled former President Roh Moohyun. "I think of President Roh Moohyun, who was criticized and mocked as undignified for communicating with the people through online comments," he said. He added, "I have also heard that he even refrained from visiting markets because he worried that security arrangements and advance inspections would inconvenience the public."

"Politics and power must serve those at the bottom," Lee said. "Ordinary people with little power and few possessions matter more than influential people in high positions, and they need more attention and support."

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