Intense Questioning on Sensitive Issues Like Illegal Foreign Currency Outflows and the Daewang Whale Project
Criticism for Irrelevant or Insufficient Answers
On-the-Spot Directives for Public Welfare and Economic Issues, Including Technology Theft Sanctions and Life-Sustaining Medical Care
Direct Praise for Well-Prepared Food and Drug Safety and Industry Ministries
First-Ever Live Broadcast Heightens Public Interest
Lee: "Transparent Disclosure of State Affairs" with a Direct Approach
The end-of-year government ministry work reports, which have become a focal point of political attention, are events that reflect President Lee Jaemyung’s governing philosophy. According to the presidential office, the unprecedented decision to broadcast these reports live demonstrates a commitment to transparent governance. President Lee delved into sensitive issues such as 'illegal foreign currency outflows,' 'sanctions on technology theft,' 'manipulation of online comments and public opinion,' and 'conflicts over nuclear energy policy.' He scrutinized figures and procedures on the spot, and immediately criticized insufficient answers. For staff members who showed thorough preparation, he offered praise as 'model cases,' thus employing both encouragement and admonishment. While some in and outside the political sphere questioned the appropriateness of the President’s public criticism of officials, President Lee responded by stating, "State affairs must be transparently disclosed to the public," taking a direct approach.
Addressing Past Controversies and Criticizing Responsible Parties
During the Ministry of Industry’s work report on the 17th, there was intense questioning regarding the profitability review of the 'Daewang Whale' deep-sea gas field project in the East Sea, which had been promoted by the previous Yoon Suk-yeol administration. When Choi Moonkyu, Acting President of Korea National Oil Corporation, replied that they had not separately calculated profitability due to numerous variables, President Lee pointedly asked, "If there are so many variables, shouldn’t you have not pursued the project in the first place?"
In the Cultural Heritage Administration’s work report, President Lee addressed the fact that former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his spouse borrowed 63 pieces of master crafts from the National Intangible Heritage Craft Bank during their term, stating, "All administrative actions must meet the expectations of the public. Neither ministers nor presidents are part of a privileged class." During the Incheon International Airport Corporation’s report, President Lee strongly criticized the issue of illegal foreign currency outflows. When President Lee Hakjae gave irrelevant or evasive answers, President Lee insisted, "Please answer the question precisely."
On-the-Spot Instructions for Public Welfare and Economic Issues During Work Reports
During the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ report, President Lee ordered a review of the penalty system for technology theft, remarking, "The maximum fine is 2 billion won, which is far too low." In the National Police Agency’s report, he said, "Manipulating rankings or using macros to distort public opinion is a very serious crime," and instructed, "This needs to be checked." He also gave an immediate directive to consider providing incentives for discontinuing life-sustaining medical treatment. Additionally, he ordered a review of expanding health insurance coverage for hair loss treatment, stating, "In the past, it was seen as a cosmetic issue, but nowadays it seems to be regarded as a matter of survival." He further requested a review of health insurance coverage for obesity treatments such as Wegovy and Maunzaro.
Direct Recognition and Encouragement for 'Model Cases'
During the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s report, President Lee asked, "I heard that a separate system was created to handle civil complaints during the National Information Resources Service fire. Who was responsible?" When Commissioner Oh Yu-kyung introduced Information Officer Kim Iksang, President Lee said, "He handled it excellently. Please give him a round of applause." In a Cabinet meeting, President Lee highlighted the renewable energy model in Shinan County, noting, "About 30% of the project is mandatorily allocated to residents, which is exemplary."
In the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ report, President Lee praised Byun Sangmoon, Director of the Food Policy Bureau, as a model case for providing detailed information on genetically modified (GMO) soybean imports. Byun, who is known for his objective, data-driven explanations, has earned the nickname 'Soybean GPT.' During the Ministry of Industry’s report, when Minister Kim Jeonggwan announced the launch of a '30% Fake Work Reduction Project,' President Lee highly commended him, saying, "It was worthwhile to recruit talent from the private sector."
Meanwhile, the President’s work reports will continue on the 18th with the Ministry of National Defense, the Military Manpower Administration, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, followed on the 19th by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Overseas Koreans Agency, the Ministry of Unification, the Financial Services Commission, the Fair Trade Commission, the Ministry of Justice, the Prosecutors’ Office, and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Reports from remaining ministries, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, will continue through the 23rd.
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