The press conference lasted for nearly two hours and followed a format in which President Lee responded to unscripted questions from journalists after delivering his opening remarks.
President Lee Jae-myung Holds First Press Conference to Mark 30 Days in Office: Key Takeaways on Labor Reform, Economic Aid, and North Korea Policy
On July 3rd, President Lee Jae-myung held his first official press conference at the Yeongbingwan State Guest House in Seoul, marking 30 days since taking office. Under the theme “30 Days of the President: The Press Asks, the People Answer,” the event offered a rare and candid exchange between the President and journalists, with nearly two hours of unscripted Q&A.
What made this press conference especially notable was its timing—it took place far earlier than the typical 100-day milestone seen in previous administrations, signaling Lee’s proactive approach to communication and governance.
“A Fierce Month for the People”
President Lee began his remarks by reflecting on the past month, calling it “a fiercely intense period engraved with the people’s desperate desire to overcome national hardship.” He reaffirmed his commitment to five key pillars of governance: restoring livelihoods, reviving democracy, realizing popular sovereignty, fostering just integration, and pursuing a peace-driven foreign policy.
Here are the major highlights from the press conference.
1. 4.5-Day Workweek: A Gradual but Inevitable Change
President Lee addressed one of his most talked-about campaign promises: the introduction of a 4.5-day workweek. He clarified that the policy cannot be implemented all at once but should instead be rolled out in stages where possible.
Lee emphasized the need to reduce working hours to improve both work-life balance and national productivity, pointing out that Korea still works more than 120 hours a year over the OECD average. He warned that Korea’s current structure—“long hours, low productivity, and weak global competitiveness”—was unsustainable.
He also acknowledged concerns that the new system might benefit only public institutions and large corporations, deepening inequality. “That’s a valid concern,” he admitted, but added, “Rather than saying ‘I work more, so others shouldn't work less,’ we must establish this as a general social trend.”
Drawing on his own experience as a former factory worker, Lee recalled how holidays and days off were gradually introduced in the past. “I want to move quickly,” he said, “but setting a specific timeline is difficult.”
2. Economic Aid: No Immediate Plans for Additional Stimulus
Regarding the possibility of additional economic relief payments, Lee stated that the current fiscal situation is “not favorable” and that there are no immediate plans for further aid.
However, he defended the rationale behind previous payments, describing them as targeted support to boost domestic consumption. Citing his experience as Gyeonggi Governor, Lee explained how early regional currency payouts were effective, with research showing tangible benefits for small business owners.
He described Korea’s small business sector as “fragile,” likening it to shallow reservoirs that dry up quickly in droughts. “We aimed to act before it was too late,” he said.
Lee added that economic sentiment plays a major role in actual performance. “Consumer confidence is at an eight-year high. When people believe the economy will improve, spending increases,” he said. “All it takes is a small spark to ignite a virtuous cycle.”
Still, he was cautious: “One of the government’s responsibilities is to prevent the need for future emergency handouts. For now, there are no plans for more, but nothing in life ever goes entirely as planned.”
3. North Korea: “Dialogue Must Never Be Cut Off”
On North Korea, President Lee took a firm stance on engagement. “Improving inter-Korean relations should be based on strong U.S.-Korea coordination, but completely severing dialogue is foolish,” he said.
Quoting former President Kim Dae-jung’s Sunshine Policy, Lee said diplomacy is essential—even during times of conflict. “We need to listen, even to those we dislike,” he emphasized.
Lee also expressed surprise at how quickly North Korea responded to South Korea’s messaging efforts. While he acknowledged debate over renaming the Ministry of Unification, he clarified, “We pursue peaceful unification, as outlined in the Constitution. This is not absorption unification—no one wants to be absorbed.”
As for concrete next steps, he stated that relevant discussions have been held with the National Security Office and the intelligence community and that outcomes will be shared later.
He also responded to questions from Japanese media on abductees and human rights in North Korea. “Resolving the suffering of Japanese families is the right thing, and we’re willing to cooperate if we can,” he said, though he admitted the scope of that cooperation remains unclear.
Regarding North Korean human rights, Lee called it a “highly complex issue” but stressed the importance of addressing human rights concerns domestically as well. “Humanitarian aid that improves the lives of ordinary North Koreans can be one way to promote human rights,” he noted.
4. Tariff Negotiations with the U.S.: Still Ongoing
Asked about ongoing tariff negotiations with the U.S., Lee said it’s uncertain whether a resolution will be reached by the July 8th deadline, when tariff deferral arrangements expire.
He admitted the topic was sensitive, with potential market implications. “It’s hard to speak openly due to security and economic impact,” he said.
While declining to share specifics, Lee emphasized that both countries are working hard toward a mutually beneficial outcome. “We haven’t fully defined what each side wants,” he said, but assured reporters that “many topics are being explored” and the government is doing its utmost to find common ground.
5. Resolving Medical Disputes and Power Reform: President Lee Jae-myung Speaks Candidly on Korea’s Governance Challenges
As part of his first press conference marking 30 days in office, President Lee Jae-myung addressed some of South Korea’s most contentious issues — including ongoing conflicts with the medical community and broader concerns about presidential power. Here’s a breakdown of his key remarks.
When asked about the long-standing standoff between the government and the medical sector — a conflict that began under the previous administration — President Lee didn’t mince words. “Honestly, the medical situation was the area I felt least confident about when I took office,” he admitted.
However, he noted a positive shift since the change in administration. “With the new government, there seems to be less tension and distrust,” Lee said. “Some doctors have even begun returning to work.”
He expressed hope for a fresh start based on mutual trust and dialogue. “We must rebuild trust and engage in sufficient conversation,” he emphasized, adding that he is eager to see the Minister of Health and Welfare appointed soon.
President Lee sharply criticized the previous government’s handling of medical policy. “The overly aggressive and one-sided approach seriously damaged our healthcare system,” he said, calling for a fundamental change in how such policies are implemented.
A sign of optimism, he noted, came when major medical associations welcomed the government’s nominee for health minister. “That could be seen as a hopeful sign,” he added.
Lee stressed the need for honest, open dialogue. “From my meetings with medical groups, it’s clear that distrust has been the biggest issue,” he said. “If we can restore trust, engage in enough conversation, and compromise where necessary, I believe we can find a solution.”
6. On Presidential Power: “Power Must Be Checked”
Toward the end of the press conference, President Lee addressed concerns about Korea’s “imperial presidency” and the weakening of checks and balances within the political system.
Half-jokingly, he said, “I’m not exactly ruling like a king,” but then added seriously, “Power should always be subject to checks — even for the leader’s own good.” To that end, he has requested that the National Assembly approve the appointment of a special inspector.
In response to concerns that his party, the Democratic Party, holds an overwhelming majority in the legislature, Lee said, “That was the choice of the people.” He rejected the idea that unified control of the presidency and the Assembly is inherently problematic, adding, “The people voted for the Democratic Party not necessarily because they liked us, but perhaps because they disliked others more.”
He acknowledged the importance of public opinion: “My job is to persuade the people and prove through action that even if they don’t love us, they can at least say, ‘Well, they’re getting the job done.’”
As for potential structural reforms to the presidential system, Lee said, “It’s something that needs to be looked at, but we haven’t been able to examine it in depth yet.”
Finally, when asked about his approval ratings hovering around 60%, Lee was humble: “I don’t think that’s particularly high. I will continue to work hard to earn the people’s trust with a more grounded approach.”
Conclusion
President Lee’s 30-day press conference was a rare and transparent window into the early stages of his presidency. By opening himself up to unfiltered questions from the press, Lee signaled a departure from tightly scripted presidential communications and embraced a more direct form of leadership. Whether it's labor reform, welfare policy, diplomacy, or trade, one thing is clear: President Lee aims to move fast, but not without building public consensus first.President Lee’s comments offered rare transparency on some of South Korea’s most complex governance issues — from healing fractured relationships with healthcare workers to navigating the delicate balance of power in a supermajority legislature. If anything, the President's frankness suggests a new tone of realism and reflection as his administration charts its course forward.
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