[Why&Next] For President Lee, SNS Is a "Lifeline"

Why Is President Lee Investing So Much in "Direct, Unconventional Communication"?
Appears on New Blue House YouTube Program
Direct Communication Becomes a Pillar of State Administration
Also Considering Impromptu Live Broadcasts from His Office

"If I had not communicated directly with the people throughout my life, I probably would not be where I am today."

This is the thinking behind President Lee Jae-myung's philosophy of communication, which he shared on "The President's Y," a Blue House YouTube program that debuted on the night of November 5. Lee said direct communication was a survival strategy that had helped him overcome political crises, a network for gauging public sentiment, and a way to build trust in policy decisions. At a surprise press conference held at the Blue House's Chunchugwan press center on October 19, he also called social media (SNS) his "lifeline" throughout his political journey.

President Lee Jae Myung answers a question from anchor Son Jungeun during an appearance on his YouTube program, “The President’s Y,” at Sangchunjae in Cheong Wa Dae on the 4th. The first video was released at 9 p.m. on the 5th. (Photo: Screenshot from KTV’s YouTube channel)

In an interview the previous day on the theme of "communication," Lee systematically rebutted calls to scale back his use of SNS, which has even become a source of controversy. "Asking 'Why does the president use SNS?' is exactly the same as asking 'Why does the president go out into the field to meet people?'" he said. He acknowledged the media's role in conveying information but said it was not enough. He believes he must remain directly connected to the public because he is "the leading representative among public servants who serve the people." He also cited practical reasons. "I receive vast policy reports every day, but there is a lot they don't cover," Lee said, explaining that he uses SNS to identify issues early and gather policy ideas.

In response to criticism from some members of the ruling party that he might be trapped in a biased algorithm, he firmly replied, "I am not trapped." "I appreciate people who tell me things as they are," Lee said. "I read a lot of comments, too. I see insults and criticism." Regarding critical comments, he added, "I don't get hurt easily. I've developed a thick skin. There's no need to worry."

He made clear that he intends to expand opportunities for direct communication, including by livestreaming Cabinet meetings. "If Cabinet meetings had been made public, would martial law have been possible?" he asked, stressing that "what the president does belongs to the people." Responding to concerns that livestreaming could lead to controversy, he acknowledged that it was "risky" but said, "Mistakes or inappropriate conduct may be exposed, but for now, it's something we can endure."

Lee said he plans to broadcast "The President's Y" live to overcome the limitations of text-based X (formerly Twitter), which cannot convey emotions and facial expressions vividly. He is also considering unscheduled broadcasts from his office. In other words, he has no plans to scale back the methods or scope of communication; he intends to expand them further. A senior ruling-party official said, "Direct communication is evolving from a means of political survival into one of the pillars of state administration," adding, "Since the president's words themselves send policy signals, accuracy in conveying information and a willingness to accept opposing views are important."

The Blue House released footage on Nov. 4 of the filming of “President’s Y,” a new YouTube program featuring President Lee Jae-myung. Nov. 4, 2026. Yonhap News Agency

Meanwhile, on November 6, Lee held a summit with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, who was on an official visit to South Korea. It was the first official bilateral visit to South Korea by a Timor-Leste leader since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 2002. The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on ways to expand practical cooperation in areas including diplomacy and security, intellectual property, climate change, education, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as on regional affairs and major international issues.

Spokesperson Kim Seong-wan said, "President Ramos-Horta's visit, ahead of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, will be an important opportunity to further expand and deepen practical cooperation based on the trust and friendship the two countries have built over many years." He added, "It will also give South Korea an opportunity, as a globally responsible power, to expand its contribution to Timor-Leste's sustainable development and to peace and prosperity in the region."

The Blue House prepared a Korean meal for the luncheon that reflected the culinary cultures of both countries. The menu also included Ermera coffee from Timor-Leste, which President Ramos-Horta particularly promotes. Lee plans to give Ramos-Horta gifts chosen with his preferences and health in mind: a collection of detailed botanical illustrations of rare native Korean plants, a set of espresso cups, and red ginseng.

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