President Lee Jae Myung advised exercising prudence when advancing reform initiatives to mitigate any possible adverse consequences. He advocated for a targeted and precise methodology, akin to a surgical intervention, when deemed necessary.
Lee emphasized his dedication to implementing reforms to tackle issues in different sectors, while also highlighting the importance of not demoralizing or harming individuals who are not responsible for these issues.
"Reform often requires surgical correction," Lee wrote on social media platform X. "To resolve problems, it is essential to accurately identify their root causes and clearly distinguish what is right from what is wrong."
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Lee emphasized the importance of enacting essential reforms without resorting to blanket condemnation or considering all individuals as subjects of reform.
"Whether it is prosecution reform, labor and economic reform, media reform or judicial reform, that is how I believe reform should be approached," he added.
He cautioned against using excessive measures that could cause unnecessary harm in the process of addressing minor issues.
"No matter how difficult reform may be, we must never give up on it, but we must proceed with great caution to minimize the wounds and conflicts it may bring," he says.
In light of a user's assertion that the judiciary had engaged in politically motivated actions in overturning a previous ruling exonerating him of election law violations prior to the June 2025 presidential election, Lee emphasized that this incident should not be construed as a reflection of the judicial system as a whole.
Subsequently, the Supreme Court opted to delay further proceedings in the matter following Lee's assumption of office.
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"Although there are many problems in the public service sector, they are not the problems of all its members," Lee says. "While there are cases in the courts where justice is politically distorted, there are far more judges who courageously deliver rulings in accordance with the law and their conscience to uphold judicial justice and protect human rights."
The statements were made in response to the ruling Democratic Party of Korea's efforts to implement extensive prosecution reform to reduce prosecutorial authority, while the government has indicated a more prudent and gradual strategy for institutional reform.
Moreover, Lee urged authorities to promptly implement restrictions on local fuel costs and prepare preemptive strategies to address the increasing gas prices and instability in currency markets, due to the escalating conflict with Iran led by the US in the Middle East.
During an interministerial meeting, Lee discussed the recent events involving U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. These incidents have led to a significant increase in the cost of Brent oil, now exceeding US$100 per barrel.
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Lee advocated for proactive measures to anticipate potential worst-case scenarios and mitigate the economic consequences of increased tensions in the Middle East. He emphasized the importance of implementing financial stability initiatives and investigating alternative energy pathways.