President Lee’s Korea Policy Daily

[Korea-Germany Summit Call] President Lee and Chancellor Merz Discuss Strengthening Democratic and Trade-Based Cooperation (July 24, 2025) 📞 President Lee Jae-myung holds first phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz On July 24, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea held his first official phone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This call marked a significant diplomatic milestone, as both countries recently inaugurated new administrations. The dialogue emphasized both symbolic resonance and the commitment to practical cooperation moving forward. President Lee congratulated Chancellor Merz on his inauguration and reflected on the 140-year history of Korea-Germany relations, dating back to the 1883 Treaty of Amity and Commerce. He emphasized the opportunity for the two new governments to advance bilateral ties through active communication and collaboration based on shared values. 🇰🇷🇩🇪 Shared values: Democracy and free trade Both lead...

[Meeting with Philosopher Kim Yong-ok] President Lee: "March 1st Movement Was Our Own Independence Revolution" (July 24, 2025) 📌 A Dialogue Between Philosophy and Practical Politics On July 24, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung hosted a luncheon with one of Korea’s most prominent philosophers, Kim Yong-ok, widely known as “Daoool.” This was more than a symbolic meeting—it marked a philosophical alignment between grassroots-driven politics and the intellectual foundation rooted in Korea’s historical and cultural legacy. Daoool’s striking comparison of President Lee to labor activist Jeon Tae-il, saying that “it’s like Jeon Tae-il becoming president,” underscored Lee’s identity as the president for the working class. The meeting affirmed the current administration’s direction as a government rooted in public service and historical consciousness. 🧭 Daoool’s Historical Framing: Re-defining the March 1st Movement Kim Yong-ok proposed that the March 1st Movement shoul...

President Lee Jae-myung Orders Civil Service Revitalization: A Reform Roadmap for Proactive Governance (July 24, 2025) 📌 Overview On July 24, 2025, during a senior aides’ meeting, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need to revitalize Korea’s civil service by eliminating outdated systems and encouraging creative, proactive governance. He outlined five key reforms aimed at breaking the cycle of administrative stagnation and reinforcing public officials’ commitment to innovation and public service. 🔍 Background and Context Korea's civil service has long suffered from excessive post-government audits and legal scrutiny, often paralyzing public officials and deterring initiative. President Lee pointed out that following regime changes, necessary administrative actions have frequently been caught in political crossfire, reinforcing a passive culture among civil servants. 🛠️ The Five Core Reform Measures 1. Ending Over-Auditing of Past Administrations The Presi...

[Briefing] President Lee Jae-myung Holds First Call with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (July 23, 2025) 📌 A New Diplomatic Chapter Between Korea and Sweden On July 23, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung held his first phone conversation with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The call marked more than a congratulatory exchange — it served as a starting point for deepening bilateral cooperation in diplomacy, economy, security, and culture. 🧭 Historical Trust: Sweden’s Humanitarian Role on the Korean Peninsula Although Korea and Sweden established official diplomatic ties in 1959, their relationship goes back to the Korean War. As a neutral country, Sweden operated a field hospital for UN forces and provided humanitarian aid to Korean civilians and soldiers. This legacy continues today through Sweden's participation in the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC), which monitors the Korean Armistice Agreement. President Lee acknowledged Sweden’s long-...

[Briefing] President Lee Appoints Chairman of Regional Era Committee and Eight New Ministers (July 23, 2025) 📌 Presidential message emphasizes decentralization and public service values On the morning of July 23, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung hosted an official appointment and commission ceremony at the Presidential Office. During the ceremony, Kim Kyung-soo was appointed as Chairman of the Presidential Regional Era Committee, while eight newly nominated ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, received their formal appointments. Among the attendees were Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom, key presidential aides, as well as the appointees' spouses and children—adding a familial touch to the solemn occasion. President Lee remarked, "When civil servants work hard, the people live comfortably," reinforcing the ethical and service-oriented mindset expected from public officials. He emphasized the impo...

  [Presidential Briefing] President Lee Withdraws Nomination of Education Minister Nominee Lee Jin-sook (July 20, 2025) 📌 Senior Presidential Secretary Woo Sang-ho Announces Key Personnel Decision On July 20, 2025, Woo Sang-ho, Senior Secretary to the President for Political Affairs, held a media briefing to announce a significant update regarding ministerial appointments. This briefing reflects President Lee Jae-myung's continued commitment to responsible governance and transparent personnel decisions. Since taking office, President Lee has nominated a total of 19 candidates for ministerial posts. Among them, 17 underwent National Assembly confirmation hearings, and six were successfully appointed following the adoption of confirmation reports. 🗣️ Decision to Withdraw Education Minister Nominee After weeks of careful consideration and listening to a wide range of public and political voices, President Lee decided to withdraw the nomination of Lee Jin-sook, who had ...