President Lee Jae-myung said on the 30th, "There is turmoil worldwide because of the energy issue, and the situation is so serious that I can't sleep," adding, "We really need to switch to renewable energy swiftly."
At a town hall meeting held at the Halla Convention Center in Jeju that day, Lee mentioned energy supply instability due to the Middle East situation and said, "The situation is worse than people think. It is true right now, but it seems the situation will become even more unstable in the future."
He continued, "Isn't the government aiming to convert 100% of rental cars to electric vehicles? Policies like this must also be carried out boldly and quickly," adding, "Isn't this an emergency situation? The current pace of transition is far too slow."
The event also discussed the issue of building an undersea tunnel connecting Jeju and the mainland. After asking attendees for their views for and against, Lee said, "The majority are opposed. There are far more opinions saying we shouldn't do it," adding, "I think the same. Cautiously, I wonder if Jeju's identity as an island is what makes Jeju, Jeju."
Regarding construction of Jeju's second airport, Lee checked attendees' opinions again and said, "It doesn't seem that either side is overwhelming," adding, "Please make a prudent judgment."
The day marked the 300th day since Lee took office, wrapping up the series of town hall meetings held so far. Starting in Gwangju on June 25 last year and ending in Jeju, Lee held town hall meetings across 12 metropolitan cities and provinces nationwide.
The Blue House is reviewing ways to continue arranging opportunities for the president to communicate directly with the public through various forms of town hall meetings, such as topic-based formats rather than region-centered ones.