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South Korean President: Ruling party's passion must serve the entire nation

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • South Korean President Lee Jae-myung emphasized that the ruling party's passion should focus on the entire nation, not just their own political faction.
  • He stressed the importance of "language of responsibility" over "language of conviction" for politicians, advocating for accountability for actions and their consequences.
  • Lee highlighted that the ruling party must prove its worth through tangible results and by addressing the public's daily concerns, rather than solely focusing on ideals.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for the ruling party to direct its energy toward serving the entire populace, rather than concentrating solely on their own political base. In a social media post, Lee articulated his views on the distinct roles of the ruling and opposition parties, emphasizing the need for a pragmatic approach to governance.

The ruling party's passion must be directed not at 'our camp' but at 'the entire nation.'

โ€” President Lee Jae-myungPresident Lee's call for the ruling party to broaden its focus beyond its immediate supporters.

Lee stated that while the opposition can focus on monitoring and critiquing the government, the ruling party, having secured power, must translate its values into concrete actions. He stressed that the ruling party bears the responsibility for the nation's future and the well-being of all citizens, seeking re-election based on demonstrable achievements. This requires a focus on "language of responsibility" over "language of conviction," a concept drawing from sociologist Max Weber's emphasis on accountability for consequences.

The ruling party must prove its worth through tangible results and by addressing the public's daily concerns, rather than solely focusing on ideals.

โ€” President Lee Jae-myungPresident Lee's emphasis on the ruling party's need for practical achievements.

"The ruling party's passion must be directed not at 'our camp' but at 'the entire nation,'" Lee wrote. He urged the party to act as a "large vessel" that mediates conflicts through continuous dialogue and communication, minimizing backlash. He added that those in power must harmonize reality and ideals with a cool sense of balance, demonstrating unwavering responsibility for outcomes, especially when policies directly impact citizens' lives. The president underscored that governing requires a commitment to public interest and a pragmatic execution of policies, moving beyond mere slogans or assertions.

good intentions alone are not enough; politicians must be accountable for the results of their actions.

โ€” President Lee Jae-myungPresident Lee's advocacy for 'responsibility ethics' over 'conviction ethics' in politics.
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Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.