Message to Strengthen Discipline Among Public Officials Using the 'Pachoseon' Story from the Chinese Classic 'Journey to the West'
At Cabinet Meeting with Yoon Administration Officials: "Do Your Best Until the Very End"
Consistent Emphasis on 'Responsibility' and 'Duty' Since Taking Office
"One Hour Spent by a Public Official Equals One Hour for Each of Our 52 Million Citizens"
Prices, Livelihoods, and Complex Economic and Security Crises... "Listen More Closely to Voices on the Ground"
Since taking office, President Lee Jaemyung has been delivering daily messages emphasizing the need to strengthen discipline among public officials, constantly highlighting the importance of their attitude and sense of responsibility. Following his remarks on the role of public officials during the emergency economic task force (TF) meetings and Cabinet meetings?where he addressed the hardships caused by economic downturn and soaring prices?on June 24, he once again urged public officials not to forget the weight of their authority by referencing the 'Pachoseon' (芭蕉扇) fan from the Chinese classic Journey to the West during a Cabinet meeting.
President Lee began by stating that the essential duties of Cabinet members, who serve on behalf of the people, have never changed regardless of shifting political circumstances. During the Cabinet meeting, he recounted the story of the Pachoseon from Journey to the West: "A witch holds a small fan called the Pachoseon. When she waves it once, thunder and lightning strike; when she waves it twice, a typhoon blows and the world is turned upside down. It's a very small fan, but it brings about tremendous upheaval in the world."
He continued, "Power is like that. The work you do?one small signature?may seem like a fleeting moment or almost meaningless to you, but that decision could determine life or death for someone, and when such things accumulate, they can make or break a nation." He once again urged everyone to carry out their duties with a sense of responsibility and to do their utmost until the very end. With Cabinet members from the Yoon Sukyeol administration, such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Jooho, Minister of Science and ICT Yoo Sangim, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Taeyul, and Minister of Unification Kim Youngho, still forming the majority, President Lee called for the wisdom of "seeking common ground while preserving differences" (gudongzunyi). This drew attention as it came immediately after he nominated new ministers for 11 government ministries on June 23.
Previously, at the emergency economic TF meeting held on June 9, President Lee pointed out that "rising prices are causing great pain to the people," highlighting the surge in living costs such as instant noodle prices, and instructed officials to "review the current situation and possible countermeasures and report back." He questioned, "Is it true that a single packet of ramen now costs 2,000 won?" and emphasized, "One hour spent by a public official is equivalent to one hour for each of our 52 million citizens. You must bear that much responsibility." He also ordered the swift implementation of livelihood measures, including a supplementary budget, with only the National Assembly procedures remaining.
At his first meeting with senior secretaries and aides since taking office on June 23, President Lee reiterated that the attitude of public officials directly affects the outcomes of state affairs. He said, "Administration and state affairs are areas where, if you choose to act, there is no end to what can be done, but if you choose not to, nothing will get done. That is why your mindset is truly important," urging proactive administration. He added, "With the fate of this country and the lives of our 52 million citizens in your hands, I ask you to find and carry out as many tasks as possible as swiftly as you can, with a sense of responsibility."
At the Cabinet meeting the previous day, responding to issues affecting people's livelihoods and regional matters was also a key agenda item. President Lee described the current period as a grave time when prices, people's livelihoods, and economic and security crises are simultaneously threatening the lives of citizens. He instructed officials to "thoroughly examine the factors causing price instability that impact vulnerable groups and the working class, and develop effective measures through inter-ministerial cooperation." He especially emphasized that public officials must listen more closely to voices on the ground and work meticulously to alleviate the suffering of the people.
The order to expedite the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan was also issued at the meeting. President Lee directed the ministry to devise a plan to complete the move to Busan by the end of this year, instructing them not to rely solely on building a new office, but to consider practical and swift solutions such as utilizing rental spaces. Despite the nomination of Jeon Jaesoo as the new Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, President Lee instructed the current minister, Kang Dohyung, to fulfill his responsibilities as a public official until the very end. This is interpreted as an intention to accelerate the fulfillment of his campaign pledge, surpassing the ministry's previous phased relocation plan to 2029 reported to the National Planning Commission. The relocation to Busan is expected to serve as a test of early government performance, reflecting both balanced regional development and public sentiment in Busan. President Lee also stressed the importance of procedural legitimacy and sufficient communication with local residents during the relocation process.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yujeong stated during a briefing, "The President thoroughly checked whether the matters he instructed in previous meetings had been reviewed by each ministry and committee, confirming progress and listening to the opinions of ministry heads." She added, "The President advised not to be bound by a single ministry, but to seek solutions through inter-ministerial consultation, and if coordination is not possible, to report directly to the President."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
