South Korean presidential aide: Public decides political direction, not politicians

A senior aide to the South Korean president has responded to a prominent commentator's critique, which likened the president's political strategy to urban redevelopment. The aide, Hong Ik-pyo, stated that "the decision is not made by the political circles, but by the people."

Addressing comments made by commentator Yoo Si-min, who used the analogy of "reconstruction" to criticize President Lee Jae-myung's efforts to broaden his support base beyond core supporters, Hong explained the nuances of urban planning. "When it's an issue with an individual house, we do extensions or reconstructions, but when the entire region is a problem, don't we do redevelopment?" he asked during a radio interview.

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When it's an issue with an individual house, we do extensions or reconstructions, but when the entire region is a problem, don't we do redevelopment?

Hong acknowledged Yoo's significant influence but suggested that the presidential office could not respond to every statement. He stressed that the approach taken depends on the specific circumstances. "When we develop a city, if it's a problem with an individual house, we do extensions or redevelopment, or reconstruction. But when the entire region is a problem, we do urban regeneration or redevelopment, don't we?"

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The President always says that politics is done by the people, not by politicians.

He reiterated that the ultimate decision rests with the public. "The President always says that politics is done by the people, not by politicians," Hong stated. "We need a process of listening to the people's opinions rather than arguing amongst ourselves, considering what the people want and what is needed to open up Korea's future."

When asked if he agreed with Yoo's "reconstruction theory," Hong expressed a desire for healthy debate. "If I react here, it becomes a fight again. In any case, there will be various arguments, and I hope those arguments become healthy discussions," he said. He urged a focus on "what is Korea's future, and what choices, changes, and judgments should the Democratic Party make in the process of Korea's advancement?" He concluded that decisions about whether to pursue "extensions, reconstructions, or even redevelopment" would be made within such a discussion.

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We need a process of listening to the people's opinions rather than arguing amongst ourselves, considering what the people want and what is needed to open up Korea's future.