President Lee Jae-myung ordered public officials today (July 15), saying, "Drinking and having fun is all fine, but do not seat young people of the opposite sex next to you."

This is interpreted as a strong call for improving organizational culture in the public sector, targeting the case of a female firefighter in her 20s from the Gwangju Gwangsan Fire Station who passed away in October of last year, after having been forced to attend drinking parties and sit next to male superiors during her lifetime.

President Lee made these remarks while concluding a work briefing for the Ministry of Economy and Finance and other agencies held at the Blue House Guest House on this day, stating, "I would like all public officials in the Republic of Korea to hear this."

President Lee pointed out, "It seems such cases still occur occasionally," adding, "Young people of the opposite sex are not playthings, and the very fact that they are treated as such is a situation to be extremely outraged about."

He further explained, "Such attitudes and mindsets themselves are an insult to human dignity, and such thinking must now be eradicated," adding, "I am saying this because it seems such an incident occurred not long ago."

He also emphasized, "In the past, it was not considered a problem, but these days, it is a major issue," and added, "It would be good to pay special attention to this point. For the sake of your own life and the happy lives of your families."

He continued, "It may seem trivial to you, but it is not so in the world. It is a problem so serious that it is cruel," and repeatedly urged, "Change your mindset entirely."

(Photo: Blue House Press Corps, Yonhap News)