President Lee: Policies must benefit citizens or be abandoned

President Lee Jae-myung has asserted that government policies must demonstrably benefit the public, stating that initiatives, regardless of their initial intent, are counterproductive if they fail to yield positive outcomes or cause harm to citizens. He stressed the importance of an administration that is both flexible and proactive.

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Policies, even if initiated with good intentions, are detrimental if they do not benefit citizens or cause them harm.

During a meeting of senior secretaries at the Blue House, President Lee called for a constant re-evaluation of all matters from the perspective of the citizens. He advocated for an administrative approach that is willing to openly and actively correct any issues that arise. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions and concerns surrounding the recently approved amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which includes the abolition of the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights.

The President's remarks are interpreted as a call for preparedness to implement corrective measures should the policy's implementation lead to unintended negative consequences for the public. He has previously expressed the view that the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights might need to be retained in exceptional circumstances, underscoring his nuanced approach to legal reforms.

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We need a flexible and proactive administration that constantly examines all matters from the public's perspective and actively corrects any issues without exception.

Furthermore, President Lee directed government bodies to diligently address and rectify any inaccurate domestic or international reporting and malicious information. He highlighted that public judgment relies on information, and accurate information is crucial for sound decision-making. The President urged a stern response against the dissemination of fake or manipulated news intended to distort public opinion. He also called for a comprehensive review and reorganization of youth policies, acknowledging that while numerous youth-focused programs exist, many fail to tackle the core challenges faced by young people, such as education, employment, income, housing, and marriage.

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Youth are becoming a vulnerable class. We must actively consider reorganizing youth policies around core areas of their lives, including education, employment, income, assets, housing, and marriage.