"I Cannot Agree": President Lee Firmly Rejects Calls to Close Cabinet Meetings in Social Media Post

[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung has stated that he "cannot agree" with media reports suggesting some calls to hold Cabinet meetings entirely behind closed doors. President Lee firmly stated that words that cannot be spoken in public can be shared during closed-door sessions or communicated individually, emphasizing that openness is the fundamental principle for all administration, including state affairs.

Reporter Kang Cheongwan has the details.

[Reporter]

President Lee Jae-myung posted a message on social media this morning (October 16) titled "Regarding the Controversy over Opening Cabinet Meetings to the Public," stating, "I cannot agree with the argument by some that Cabinet meetings should be held entirely behind closed doors."

President Lee said, "The minutes of Cabinet meetings have always been made public, and openness is the principle for all administration, including state affairs." He added, "Aside from one minister who mentioned that 'it is difficult because Cabinet meetings are made public' during a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister, reports suggesting that there were recommendations not to make them public, or claims regarding social media, appear to be untrue."

The president directly rebutted recent media reports that some ministers had recommended holding Cabinet meetings behind closed doors during a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister.

President Lee explained that Cabinet meetings consist of a public session followed by a separate closed-door session, and matters requiring confidentiality or those that could put Cabinet members in an awkward position are discussed during the closed-door meeting. He stated, "Words that cannot be said because it is public can be spoken during closed-door sessions, and if there are still things that are difficult to say, I encourage them to call or send a message individually."

He went on to say, "A good friend is one who offers candid advice," adding, "If a public official fails to point out problems that another public official needs to correct, it is either an evasion of responsibility stemming from selfishness or a breach of the public's trust." He emphasized, "I am confident that, at least in this administration, there are no Cabinet members who cannot speak their minds to the president."

(Reported by Jeong Sang-bo, Ha Ryung | Video Editing: Nam Il)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.