Lee: "Can Politicians Who Live in Comfort and Privilege Understand Ordinary People’s Lives?"

"Criticizes Those in Power Who Cut Welfare Budgets for Ordinary People"
Does Not Cite Specific Examples
Recalls Park Won-soon and Emphasizes Communication Through Social Media
"Blocking Malicious Comments Prevents Obstruction to Co

On October 11, President Lee Jaemyung strongly criticized politicians who cut welfare budgets while turning a blind eye to the hardships of ordinary people, saying they should ask themselves why they are in politics. He also reiterated the importance of communication in response to criticism of his recent social media activity, recalling an anecdote about the late Park Won-soon, former mayor of Seoul.

South Korean President Lee Jaemyung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae on Oct. 6, 2026. Yonhap News Agency

That morning, Lee wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "People who have lived comfortable lives as high-ranking officials their entire lives, thanks to their parents, without facing hardship, find it difficult to understand the lives and perspectives of ordinary people who struggle." He went on to criticize the behavior of the privileged, saying, "They enjoy every kind of luxury using taxpayers' money paid by ordinary people, while being even harsher on those with little power and cutting small welfare budgets for ordinary people without hesitation."

Lee then listed the circumstances of ordinary people who hesitate to buy fruit because they lack even a few thousand won, or skip meals because they cannot afford tens of thousands of won in living expenses, and asked whether such politicians could understand how they feel. "Constantly looking back at the backstreets where people live and attending to the lives of those suffering most in the lowest places in society - that is governance, administration and politics," he said.

Lee also said, "Those in power must understand that the careless swing of their sword can cut lives they have never seen or even considered - all the more so when the sword is bigger." He added, "Why do we engage in politics? That is a question we in politics must constantly ask ourselves." However, while criticizing cuts to welfare budgets, he did not identify any specific targets or cases.

These remarks appear to echo the political convictions he expressed the previous night. On October 10, Lee wrote on X, "Politics and power should be directed toward those at the bottom," adding, "Ordinary people with little power and few possessions are more precious than influential people in high positions, and they need more attention and support." He also said that despite criticism that he lacks the dignity and authority of the presidency, he would continue visiting the public in their daily lives with minimal security and communicating directly with the public through social media.

That morning, Lee also posted a separate message responding to criticism of his approach to communication. This time, he recounted his relationship with former Mayor Park and explained why blocking malicious comments is necessary. "I was reminded of the late Mayor Park Won-soon," Lee wrote. "He was a brilliant idea man who always emphasized and enjoyed communicating with citizens." He added, "He was the one who taught me the importance of communication and social media as a means of achieving it."

According to Lee, when he met Park at the Seoul mayor's official residence in the past, Park expressed regret that he could not read the comments on his social media posts. Lee said he advised Park that if malicious comments were left unchecked, even ordinary users would be reluctant to participate, making communication itself difficult. Lee said he told Park at the time, "Hurling abuse, insults and mockery into a space for communication is not communication; it is an obstruction to communication. Blocking this kind of filth actually makes genuine communication possible."

Lee said he follows the same principle in managing his own accounts. He said he blocks accounts that post abuse, insults, mockery or false information as soon as he finds them, and reports them in serious cases. He added, "Of course, I don't block people just for expressing opposing views or criticizing me. Opinions expressed with dignity and courtesy are always welcome."

Lee also explained the expression "jwaahage," which recently sparked controversy. He said it did not originate with Ilbe, but had been used by the democratic reform camp since former President Moon Jae-in's time in office, and described it as a playful twist on "u-ahage," meaning "elegantly." Lee concluded his post by saying, "The world is harsh and busy, but I hope you sometimes take the time to look up at the clear sky and look around, and enjoy a little wit, humor and playfulness. Seriousness, solemnity and authority are important virtues, too, but let's also be wary of taking things to excess and treating a drama like a documentary."

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