"They Have Not Realized the World Has Changed": National Policy Planning Committee to Receive Revised Ministry Briefings This Week

Han Joo Lee Delivers Overall Assessment: "Disappointing Results"
"Government Operations Loosened During the Past Three Years of the Yoon Administration"

"They have not yet realized at all that the world has changed."

The message delivered by Han Joo Lee, chairman of the National Policy Planning Committee, which serves as the presidential transition committee for the Lee Jaemyung administration, is a multifaceted one. It is intended both to instill a sense of urgency within the public sector and to call for a more thorough government response in relation to the committee's future activities.

Han Joo Lee, chairman of the National Policy Planning Committee, is entering the press conference room held at the Changseong-dong annex of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News

On the afternoon of the 22nd, Han Joo Lee held a press conference at the Changseong-dong annex of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, and gave an overall assessment of the first week of ministry briefings since the launch of the committee. He stated, "Overall, the results were disappointing compared to the effort put in." He added, "There seemed to be a lack of understanding regarding the national policy philosophy, and there were shortcomings in reflecting President Lee's pledges in actual policy. I believe this reflects the loosened state of government operations over the past three years of the previous administration."

Last week, the National Policy Planning Committee halted briefings from the prosecution, the Korea Communications Commission, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, citing reasons such as "insufficient preparation" and "lack of understanding of the pledges." The committee decided to receive revised reports this week. In response to criticism from the opposition, which described the committee as "abusive" and "occupying forces," Hong Keun Park, head of the policy planning subcommittee and a member of the Democratic Party, asked, "Is it right to politically condemn efforts to restore the nation to normalcy after policy failures and the imposition of martial law following internal unrest?"

Han Joo Lee stated, "Deciding to receive revised reports is about giving another opportunity, not taking one away. Please understand that this demonstrates our willingness to work together, as we continue to trust the public sector until the end."

The National Policy Planning Committee plans to receive revised briefing materials from the prosecution by the 24th and hold another briefing at 10 a.m. on the 25th. The committee will also receive a revised briefing from the Korea Communications Commission at the Changseong-dong annex of the Government Seoul Office on the 26th. Park, head of the policy planning subcommittee, said, "Even if the format differs from last time, each subcommittee will receive additional supplementary reports on policy status from each division or bureau."