President Lee Jae-myung said on the 31st regarding the conclusion of tariff negotiations with the United States, "I thought we must strengthen the national power of this country," noting that he had remained silent for 'negotiation strategy reasons'. Commenting on the agreement that included '$450 billion in investment in the U.S. (including energy purchases) and a reciprocal tariff of 15%', he said, "It's not satisfactory, but we have achieved significant results."
◇"I didn't say anything for fear of negatively impacting negotiations"
On this day, President Lee took the stage as a special lecturer at a high-ranking public officials workshop held at the Government Seoul Complex. The topic was 'The Direction of National Operations of the People's Sovereignty Government and the Attitude of High-ranking Public Officials'. While expressing his feelings about the conclusion of the tariff negotiations, President Lee said, "My teeth were shaking. In fact, I didn't say anything, but while I was quiet, they thought I was just a 'dummy.'"
He also said, "(I didn't speak publicly about the negotiations) because I thought it would have a negative impact," adding, "While I was silent, it may seem that the duck is gracefully gliding on the water's surface, but beneath the water, there's a huge commotion." President Lee noted, "Those close to me understand how anxiously we are behaving," and stated, "In a narrow sense, the tariff negotiations are about corporations' overseas markets, but in fact, they could be a burden on the people of Korea, and each decision has a tremendous impact."
◇"I read comments earnestly to avoid losing touch with reality"
During the nearly one-hour lecture on this day, President Lee spent a considerable part explaining the 'principles of personnel management'. After listing the three main principles of personnel management as ▲direction ▲sincerity ▲capability, he said, "I have a technique that I discovered while managing personnel. I cannot trust public reports; the best method is to ask my colleagues."
He also hinted at strengthening 'penalties for public officials'. President Lee stated, "I will manage personnel as fairly as possible and intend to apply penalties rather strictly," adding, "There is a significant difference in outcomes between those who act proactively and enthusiastically and those who passively consider only what is predetermined." He continued, "If the will of the people is toward the east, we should naturally look to the east. If that shifts to the west, we should look to the west." He also said, "It should not be criticized as being a sunflower or having no soul."
He particularly mentioned that regarding key issues, he refers to 'comments' made on articles or social media. The President indicated that higher-ranking officials tend to be uninformed about reality and said, "I read comments diligently to avoid falling into these traps. Many brilliant ideas are found there." He added, "I have been using the same phone for decades, and I try to read most of them," and remarked, "I spend a lot of time on it to ensure I do not lose my youthful and situational awareness."
◇Lee mentions key aide Kim Hyun-ji
He also directly mentioned Kim Hyun-ji, the chief secretary of the Presidential office, known as his 'shadow closest aide'. This comment came while emphasizing that public officials should provide administrative services from the perspective of the consumer. President Lee said, "In the past, there was a 'card for students in need' clearly marked, but Kim Hyun-ji pointed it out, and I had it made just like a regular credit card. It was designed to be indistinguishable, so only the user would know." Kim is a key figure in the 'Seongnam Line' who has collaborated closely with President Lee since his time as the mayor of Seongnam.
The concept of 'consumer-oriented administration' has been mentioned frequently by President Lee in public settings, including Cabinet meetings. He recently publicly criticized certain local governments for marking different colors or amounts on pre-paid cards for consumption coupons aimed at economic recovery, directing corrections. President Lee stated, "We must ensure that the consumer's dignity is not violated, but we (public officials) do not think about it," adding, "While I may think that no one will criticize who pays for a meal, the person receiving it suffers greatly."