President Lee Jae-myung has consistently drawn attention with blunt and unconventional remarks since taking office. He has not hesitated to address socially sensitive topics when deemed necessary, building his own collection of memorable quotes by repeating them at official events and on social media.
After taking office on June 4 last year, Lee emphasized a sense of duty by saying, "A public official's one hour is worth 52 million hours." His repetition of this phrase at official meetings and work briefings is seen as reflecting an intent to tighten work discipline among public servants. For instance, he issued a stern warning to officials in charge of cracking down on illegal river occupation facilities, saying, "If you failed to act despite being given two chances to enforce, I will strictly hold you accountable for dereliction of duty." He also urged public officials to maintain integrity, saying, "Money is a devil that appears in the form of an angel."
He has also highlighted the need for specific policies through direct and forceful rhetoric. In addressing what he calls the "ruinous real estate republic," Lee's messaging began with calls to "overcome" the issue and has since escalated to expressions such as "escape" and "dismantle." His phrase "stock manipulation leads to ruin," outlining a policy of harsh punishment for market manipulation, has become entrenched as a slogan in the financial market.
The need to moderate the intensity of his remarks has also been raised. In April this year, when Lee posted on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing the Israeli military's human rights violations and said it was "no different from the comfort women issue," Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the remark, prompting calls for a more cautious approach on diplomatic matters.
He has also confronted head-on the issue of labor unions, a topic that progressive administrations have tended to avoid addressing directly. Last month, Lee delivered pointed criticism over the Samsung Electronics union's demand to receive 15% of operating profit as performance pay, saying, "Systematically dividing up a fixed share of operating profit before even paying taxes is something not even investors can do. They must not cross the line." His call for accelerated governance also drew attention at a senior secretaries' meeting in April, when he said, "I have only about 4 years and 1 month left to work. If we double the pace of state affairs, that becomes 9 years and 2 months."
