How President Lee Jae-myung's Approach to Public Complaints Could Transform Governance in 2026

Kim Ji-sun | 2026.05.13

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President Lee Jae-myung speaks at a Cabinet meeting and an emergency economic review at the Blue House on the 12th. (Yonhap News)
On the 12th, President Lee Jae-myung urged public officials to communicate proactively and to take an active role in mediating conflicts when responding to citizens' complaints.

In a social media post that day, he wrote, \"Complaints are not bothersome chores to be avoided. They represent the will of the people — something public servants, as servants of the public, must respect and seek to understand.\"

He added that complaints are like a treasure trove, containing not only citizens' voices that deserve respect and implementation but also many items that could inform national reform efforts. He said many misunderstandings, distrust, and ill will can be largely resolved through sincere dialogue and mutual respect.

He stressed that when officials invest sufficient time and engage in substantive conversations, a significant portion of complaints can be resolved. He warned that giving evasive answers solely to temporarily placate an angry complainant is unacceptable.

He thanked the civil servants who handle conflicts with dedication and said he places high expectations on their work.

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Screenshot from X of President Lee Jae-myung