"Staying Silent Made Them Think I Was Doing Nothing": President Lee Explains Reason for 'Strategic Silence'

President Lee Jaemyung at Senior Officials Workshop
President Lee: "I didn't speak out on Korea-US trade talks to avoid negative impact"
"I felt we need to strengthen our national power"

President Lee Jaemyung revealed on the 31st that the reason he did not take a leading role in the Korea-US trade negotiations was due to concerns about potential negative impacts on the talks. President Lee said that he was "deeply anxious" during the negotiation process and added, "I thought we needed to strengthen our national power."

President Lee made these remarks during a high-level government officials' workshop held at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on this day. Referring to the Korea-US trade negotiations, President Lee explained, "It's not that I kept silent because my teeth were shaking and I couldn't speak; it's just that when I stay quiet, people really think I'm doing nothing. I refrained from speaking because saying something could have a negative effect."

President Lee did not make any comments related to the negotiations during cabinet meetings or senior aides' meetings held amid the reciprocal tariff negotiations with the United States. There had been voices suggesting that President Lee should take a more active role, but he clarified that his approach was one of 'strategic silence.'

President Lee Jae-myung is entering the 6th Chief Secretary and Aide Meeting held at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul on the 31st. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee remarked, "A duck may appear graceful on the surface to avoid being swept away by the current, but underneath the water, it's paddling furiously. The aides who are close to me know this. They know how anxious we have been and what actions we have been taking."

President Lee also emphasized regarding the Korea-US negotiations, "Viewed narrowly, this is a matter concerning our companies' access to overseas markets, but in reality, it is an issue that could become a burden for the people of the Republic of Korea."

Addressing the high-ranking officials attending the workshop, President Lee said, "It was truly a challenging environment. I felt strongly that we needed to strengthen our national power," and added, "Although the results may not be entirely satisfactory, I sincerely thank all of you for your considerable achievements despite such difficulties."