[Anchor]

Let's take a closer look at today's (September 18) press conference with reporter Kang Cheong-wan, who covers the Blue House.

Q. Will President Lee appoint Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won?

[Reporter Kang Cheong-wan: President Lee Jae-myung stated that he would make a careful decision, taking into consideration various criticisms and the public's expectations. Although the confirmation hearing report was adopted in the National Assembly yesterday led by the ruling party, analysts suggest that withholding the appointment until today is primarily intended to project that he is deliberating as deeply as possible. Within the ruling camp, the prevailing opinion is that if even Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won falls, it would deal a fatal blow to the administration. That is why many predict that while President Lee is deliberating, he will ultimately appoint him. However, some within the ruling camp also express concern that if the president pushes ahead with Kim's appointment right after repeatedly emphasizing that "the public is right" and "I fell short," the purpose of the press conference could be undermined.]

Q. What is the reason behind the 30-minute delay of the press conference?

[Reporter Kang Cheong-wan: Yes, it was quite unusual. A notice that the press conference would be postponed by 30 minutes was issued at 8:24 a.m., just about an hour and a half before the scheduled briefing. It was learned that President Lee personally reviewed the anticipated questions and answers again and devoted particular care to his opening remarks, leading to the delayed start. During his opening remarks, which lasted nearly 20 minutes, he maintained a low tone and a humble posture throughout, repeatedly saying, "I fell short," and "The public was right." In contrast to the critical assessments from the opposition, a Blue House official evaluated it as "the highest level of self-reflection an incumbent president could write."]

Q. Why the firm stance on a consecutive-term constitutional amendment and troop dispatch to Hormuz?

[Reporter Kang Cheong-wan: The controversies surrounding a constitutional amendment allowing consecutive presidential terms and the dispatch of troops to the Strait of Hormuz were among the issues of highest interest. President Lee drew a clear line using expressions such as "not at all" and "unequivocally." As the press conference took place amid falling approval ratings, this appears to be a calculated move to quell disputes over sensitive issues among the public, particularly his core supporters, through a clear stance. However, criticism is also being raised over the lack of concrete and clear explanations regarding the cabinet nomination controversies involving nominees such as Yong Hye-in and Kim Seung-won, as well as his response to the leveraged ETF controversy stating that "someone must have made the decision." On the question regarding the jeonse (lump-sum housing deposit) issue, voices in political circles are also pointing out that instead of merely explaining that he did not mean it should disappear, he should have offered a more responsible response to the surging costs of jeonse and monthly rent. In a Gallup Korea opinion poll released today, President Lee's approval rating hit a new low for four consecutive weeks at 37%, and attention is focused on whether this press conference will bring about any change in his ratings.]