What I want from the Lee Jae-myung government: Keep an ‘inner mirror’ to reflect on yourself
Mr. President, a mirror never lies. If you look into it each day(caption) Everyone, at some point, wishes to see their own reflection in the mirror. It is to be hoped that President Lee Jae-myung, too, will from time to time find his own face in the mirror — and reflect deeply on what it reveals
On June 3, 2025, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea was elected as the 21st President of South Korea. The AsiaN is publishing the hopes and expectations of Koreans for the new president and administration in both Korean and English editions. We welcome the interest, feedback, and constructive criticism of our readers.
The AsiaN Editorial Team
By Son Hyuk-jae,
Political Commentator and Former Professor at Sungkonghoe University
SEOUL: Congratulations on your election as the 21st President of the Republic of Korea.
Yet before there is time to celebrate, the President faces a daunting list of urgent tasks: the aftermath of the December 3 rebellion, unresolved national issues, and multiple crises. It is the citizens—who rescued constitutional democracy from a collapsing cartel of treason—that have entrusted the President with this responsibility.
For the past six months, the public has endured immense pain and fear.
The June 3 presidential election was a founding election that brought an end to chaos and opened the door to a “true Republic of Korea.”
The road now laid before that open door will become either a path of flowers or one of hardship—depending on how the President walks alongside the people.
The President’s most immediate duty is to restore social stability and normalize governance.
The process of martial law, impeachment, and election has left society torn apart.
True unity does not mean embracing the forces behind the rebellion.
It means embracing not only those who voted for Candidate No. 1, but also those who did not—and even those who abstained from voting.
The first step to normalizing governance lies in economic recovery.
The President has rightly noted that “overcoming the rebellion is expected, but the real crisis is people’s livelihoods.”
We trust the promise to form an Emergency Economic Task Force (TF) will be honored.
Of course, long-overdue reforms in the judiciary, education, and pension system must not be neglected either.
A thorough investigation and legal accountability for the rebellion is essential.
To prevent recurrence, we must not bury the truth.
Unresolved allegations from the previous administration—especially those involving state manipulation or personal abuse of power—must also be investigated.
However, this process should be led by the appropriate institutions, not the President directly.
Constitutional revision and political reform are likewise critical.
Yet the President should not lead these efforts.
Parliament must take the initiative, with ruling and opposition parties engaging in frank, bipartisan dialogue.
There is already a wealth of proposals and discussions in the National Assembly; with political will, this process need not be delayed.
“Let me give you a mirror.”
Do you remember saying that?
In response to former President Yoon’s claim that “anti-state forces are operating everywhere,” the President asked, “Who exactly is acting in such a way?”
I hope the President carries such a metaphorical mirror—one that reflects whether actions are in line with the will of the people and the arc of history.
The President cannot govern alone.
A Cabinet must be formed, including the Prime Minister and Ministers, along with senior aides like the Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor.
As the saying goes, “Personnel is policy.” Appointments should not reward loyalty or election contributions, but reflect merit and suitability for national governance.
If appointments appear to be based on favoritism or factional loyalty, citizens will be disappointed.
Lawmakers should support governance through legislation; local representatives should work to restore autonomy lost under the previous administration.
The ruling party should focus on being a communication channel between citizens, the government, and the National Assembly.
To those who will walk this path of governance with the President, I offer the words of poet Jeong Chae-bong:
“A new hanger asked an old one at the cleaners,
‘Why do you keep reminding me that I’m just a hanger?’
The old one replied,
‘I’ve seen too many hangers forget themselves,
Confusing the clothes they temporarily hold for their own identity.’”
Holding a position does not define a person’s identity.
It is how one fills that role—and how one eventually leaves it—that determines the dignity of leadership.
