President Lee Jae-myung signaled he will keep up his current approach to public communication, calling social media "a lifeline" in response to criticism that his use of such platforms has gone too far. He also pushed back on debate over the live broadcasting of Cabinet meetings, saying of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, "If Cabinet meetings had been open to the public, would martial law have happened?"
Speaking at a tea gathering at the Chunchugwan press center at the Blue House on the 19th, Lee said, "Without social media, would there have been a 'President Lee Jae-myung'?" He added, "If I had not communicated directly with the people, appealed to them directly and heard their views directly, could I really have become Gyeonggi Province governor? And after that, could I have survived the concentrated attacks?" Responding to criticism that social media activity does not befit the authority or dignity of the presidency, he said, "I find it hard to agree with criticism that my way of communicating with the people is frivolous."
Lee's posts on X, formerly Twitter, laying out his views on various issues have recently drawn criticism from both the opposition and hardline supporters within the ruling bloc, but he made clear he intends to continue his social media politics. Instead, Lee said, "I strongly recommend social media to people in politics, telling them to increase direct contact with the public," calling it "a breathing hole to the people that can save you at the final moment." He added, however, "I am working hard on how to give fewer openings for criticism."
On arguments that the scope of live-streamed Cabinet meetings should be narrowed, he drew a line, saying, "Unless a matter requires confidentiality, the public needs to know." Lee said, "After the open session ends, we hold a closed session, so that is when such things can be discussed," adding, "These are not junior civil servants but ministers of the nation. The idea that they cannot rebut what the president says because someone is watching is not desirable."
He also said, "When I see someone who counters me or raises a different view, I welcome it," stressing that "a person who voices a dissenting opinion is a courageous person and a capable person." He added, "Weighing the pros and cons of opening Cabinet meetings versus keeping them closed, the advantages of opening them are greater."