President Lee Emphasizes Persuasion and Action Over Hardline Arguments

President Lee Jaemyung emphasized at a work report meeting held at the Blue House on the 5th that persuasion and action are more important than strong pressure and confrontation. He said that a method of pushing the other side hard may have a temporary effect, but it can ultimately provoke backlash. President Lee noted that, in a position responsible for the community, results and implementation are more important than assertions, unlike when one is in the opposition. This remark is interpreted as having been aimed at some figures within the ruling bloc and supporters who have recently been taking a hardline stance over the prosecution reform. He explained that, in order to carry out one's ideology and values, it is necessary to persuade the other side as much as possible and to use a method that reduces resistance while drawing out acceptance. He had previously said at a Cabinet meeting last month that it is difficult to achieve reform results with just loud voices and strong pressure.