Lee Jae-myung addresses re-election, special prosecutor bill, and Hormuz Strait

Lee Jae-myung Kim Seung-won press conference Minister of Justice nominee South Korean politics

President Lee Jae-myung held his seventh press conference at the Blue House, addressing several critical national issues. He explicitly stated he has no intention of seeking re-election through constitutional amendments and requested the National Assembly to remove clauses from the special prosecutor bill regarding the disposition of existing prosecuted cases to prevent controversy.

Addressing foreign policy, Lee clarified that South Korea will not deploy military forces for the purpose of participating in war in the Hormuz Strait, though he is considering strengthening the Cheonghae Unit to protect commercial shipping and oil transport routes. On domestic policy, he emphasized the need to stabilize the real estate market through increased supply and regulation.

In a significant political development, Minister of Justice nominee Kim Seung-won resigned 20 days after his nomination. Kim cited the need to avoid becoming a burden to the government's reform efforts and acknowledged failing to meet public expectations. His resignation follows intense scrutiny regarding allegations of lobbying for COVID-19 drug clinical trials and other controversies.

The opposition People Power Party criticized the President's performance, labeling the press conference as an attempt to deflect blame, while the Democratic Party praised his sincere approach to addressing public concerns and his commitment to reform.

Entities

Blue House · Cheong Wa Dae · Democratic Party of Korea · Jang Dong-hyuk · Kim Seung-won · Korea Gallup · Lee Jae-myung · National Assembly of South Korea · People Power Party · Sejong · Seoul

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Lee stated he will take responsibility for making difficult policy decisions, such as the introduction of mifepristone, rather than avoiding them.
[● 2 SOURCES] A recent Gallup poll showed President Lee's job approval rating at 37%, a significant drop from 67% in April. www.mbn.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The President aims to establish a dual-capital system with Seoul as the economic capital and Sejong as the administrative capital.
[● 3 SOURCES] President Lee pledged to stabilize the real estate market through rapid implementation of supply, regulation, and taxation policies. www.gyominilbo.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The President clarified that no military deployment for the purpose of participating in war will occur regarding the Hormuz Strait. www.gyominilbo.com
[● 5 SOURCES] President Lee Jae-myung stated he has no intention of seeking re-election through constitutional amendment. www.gyominilbo.com · www.joongboo.com
[● 3 SOURCES] President Lee requested the National Assembly to remove clauses from the special prosecutor bill that allow for the disposition of existing prosecuted cases to avoid controversy. www.gyominilbo.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Minister of Justice nominee Kim Seung-won resigned 20 days after his nomination. www.namdonews.com · biz.heraldcorp.com · www.ilyo.co.kr
[○ 1 SOURCE] President Lee pledged to re-examine the personnel verification system following recent appointment controversies. www.gyominilbo.com