“Mr. President, we suggest a 10-minute break”… What happened in the cabinet members’ group chat?

A unique dynamic is unfolding within South Korea's cabinet meetings, where ministers have begun requesting more frequent breaks during extended sessions. The issue came to light when a cabinet member suggested, via a Telegram group chat with President Lee Jae-myung, that a 10-minute break be implemented after every two hours, citing the difficulty for elderly ministers to endure long meetings without rest.

“

President. I suggest a 10-minute break after two hours.

President Lee responded positively to the suggestion. He instructed the Prime Minister's Office to provide a signal for a break after two hours and expressed a desire to conclude meetings within that timeframe whenever possible. This initiative was met with 'like' reactions from several ministers in the chat group, indicating a shared sentiment about the demanding nature of the current meeting format.

“

Give me a signal after two hours. If possible, I will finish the cabinet meeting within two hours.

The live-streamed cabinet meetings, a hallmark of the current administration, are known for their intensity. Ministers operate under constant pressure, aware that the president might pose unexpected questions and that their every expression is captured on camera. This environment necessitates thorough preparation, with some ministers reportedly assigning dedicated staff to monitor relevant issues. The constant state of readiness, coupled with the potential for immediate work directives from the president via the chat, means ministers often feel they are on 24-hour standby.

“

Ministers are under high tension because the president thoroughly grasps the issues, and they don't know when work instructions will come via the Telegram room, so they are on 24-hour standby.