President Lee Jae-myung on Monday criticized officials who contradict themselves after ministerial briefings, targeting Incheon International Airport Corp. President Lee Hak-jae who publicly challenged the president's earlier rebuke.
"There are people who say one thing at briefings and then say something different afterward," President Lee said during opening remarks at a briefing by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups at Sejong Convention Center. "Whether politics has influenced them too much, what they say one minute differs from what they say the next."
The president's remarks came after Lee Hak-jae held a press conference and posted on social media to push back against criticism he received during a briefing last Wednesday. The airport chief had been questioned about foreign currency smuggling at the airport.
"The airport corporation president first said it was their responsibility, then later said it was customs' job," President Lee said. "But I saw in article comments that the Korea Customs Service and the airport corporation signed an MOU, so the airport corporation is indeed responsible. I learned this from reading comments—the public already knows everything."
President Lee rejected opposition claims that his criticism was politically motivated. "Have I ever criticized or disadvantaged anyone based on political affiliation? If someone is capable, I use them regardless of where they came from," he said.
Addressing accusations that he was teaching criminal methods by discussing the smuggling issue, the president said: "This matter was already covered in government press releases before. Are you saying we should hush up crimes and give people opportunities? By that logic, does the TV drama 'Love and War' teach people how to have affairs?"
The president emphasized accountability for public officials. "You can tell white lies at drinking gatherings. In politics, people attack each other, so some of that is acceptable, though not excessively," he said. "But within administrative organizations, evading and distorting through lies is truly wrong."
"You may not know certain policy details. If you don't know, study and make up for it," President Lee said. "But you must take responsibility for not knowing. Nothing in this world is free, and authority comes with corresponding responsibility."
He added: "Enjoying all the honor and benefits that come with a position while refusing to fulfill responsibilities—that is the mentality of an utter thief."
On continuing to livestream ministerial briefings despite some opposition, President Lee said: "Some people don't like this, but we should disclose as much as possible. Don't underestimate the public. Open administration is the principle—why would anyone object to transparency?"
The president also criticized traditional media's gatekeeping role. "In the old days, certain media outlets played so-called gatekeeping roles, showing only information that suited them. These days, such media are called 'conventional media,'" he said. "But now the public watches and judges everything in real time. That's how they subdued armed martial law soldiers in an instant. The president doesn't hold power alone. The public may not speak, but they judge and remember everything."
