President Lee Jae-myung said on Friday (September 18) that criticism from the conservative opposition regarding the government's comprehensive survey of farmland stems from a misunderstanding, remarking, "Opponents of reform are powerful."

President Lee made the remarks during a press conference held at Cheong Wa Dae, saying, "I know I am being heavily criticized over this issue."

President Lee explained, "(Critics) protest, 'My father used to farm, but can no longer do so because it has become too difficult; are you telling us to sell by force?' However, that is not true. Rather, we would help by purchasing it, and it would not be subject to sanctions."

He added, "What the government is doing is identifying clear real estate speculation, and it is a basic survey to assess the state of farmland," repeatedly emphasizing that it should not be interpreted as sanctions against fallow land that is not speculative.

In particular, President Lee pointed out, "However, real estate speculators are spreading propaganda to rally people to their side, saying, 'You don't farm either, right? You are also subject to forced sale.'"

He continued, "When they say, 'If you can't farm, Lee Jae-myung will take away your farmland,' people end up misunderstanding," adding, "Yet, it is difficult for the government to explain each and every case that this is not true."

President Lee added, "Those who are disadvantaged (during institutional reforms) agitate those around them like organized concrete to protect what is theirs," and remarked, "I understand that too. It is only natural."

He also assessed, "(When reforms are pursued,) allies emerge, but opponents also appear, and the power of opponents is more than ten times stronger than that of allies," adding, "This is why the momentum for reform gradually weakens."

Still, President Lee said, "I will do what must be done," adding, "I did not become president to enjoy authority or prestige, or because I liked the position. I did it because I wanted to work."

He continued, "I painfully realized that as I focused on work and results, not being attentive enough during the process was a very big problem. Someday, I will have to properly explain my sincerity to the public."

(Photo: Yonhap News)