Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, stated on the 2nd, "If elected president, the first order I would give is to review the economic situation."
Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is holding a press conference on the 2nd at Seongnam Resident Church in Sujeong District, Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News
At a press conference held on the same day at Seongnam Resident Church in Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, Lee responded to a reporter's question, "If you are elected president, what would be the first directive you issue after taking office?" by saying, "The most serious issue right now is people's livelihoods."
When asked about his plans regarding judicial reform, he emphasized, "At this moment, the urgent priority is to restore people's livelihoods and the economy, rather than pursuing reforms."
In response to a question about how he anticipates relations with so-called 'strongmen' leaders such as U.S. President Trump, given that foreign affairs will likely become the most important issue after inauguration, Lee said, "They are called 'strongmen' because they pursue leadership that prioritizes their own country's national interests." He continued, "Whether it is a security crisis or an economic crisis, we must develop practical negotiations and policies that put the interests of our people at the center."
When asked whether he would allow coverage by YouTubers, he replied, "I believe that among one-person media, those with a sense of responsibility as journalists should be given the opportunity, not just YouTube in general." He added, "With the current information and communication tools, I fundamentally do not think there is a need to limit the press to small groups. While we will have to see how things go, there is no need to worry about communication issues."
However, regarding formats such as 'doorstepping,' he said, "I'm not sure if this method is appropriate. It needs to be considered." He emphasized, "Restricting access to hide something is not right. I believe the more regular press briefings and Q&A sessions we have, the better."
He further explained, "In the past, information was delivered through newsroom editing at media outlets, which sometimes led to distortion or gatekeeping. These side effects sometimes resulted in excessive media power, but now I think it would be better to greatly increase opportunities for direct communication with the public."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
