President Lee admits fault for election losses, calls for humility

President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea has admitted fault for his party's disappointing results in the recent local elections, stating that the outcome was due to his own deficiencies. "The conclusion is my own lack of ability," he said during a press conference marking his first anniversary in office.

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The conclusion is my own lack of ability.

Lee reflected on the electoral process, likening it to a sacred ritual and quoting a politician who said, "Golf and elections are lost when you lift your head." He confessed to having underestimated the challenge, vowing to work harder. "I thought it was too easy," he admitted, noting that he felt unwell for a couple of days after the results.

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Golf and elections are lost when you lift your head.

While acknowledging that election success can be defined differently, Lee stated that losing winnable races indicates a problem. He interpreted the results as a warning from the public, urging himself and his administration to adopt a more humble stance. "Even though a situation unfolded that I cannot comprehend, it is still a warning from our people to me or this administration," he emphasized.

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I thought it was too easy.

Turning his attention to the broader political landscape, President Lee criticized the use of aggressive language and personal attacks in politics. He advocated for "inner strength and outer softness" in leadership, warning that resorting to insults and verbal abuse alienates supporters. "Politicians must constantly strive to find common ground, especially when in power," he asserted.

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Even though a situation unfolded that I cannot comprehend, it is still a warning from our people to me or this administration.