President Lee Jae-myung wrote on social media, "We must guard against irresponsible extremism," adding, "Agitation by irresponsible extremists—dubbed 'mugeukpa'—who deceive the public based on falsehoods or without the slightest grounds, is spreading like a trend."

President Lee also criticized, "Irresponsible and radical claims and baseless agitation often stem from selfishness rather than concern for the people and the nation."

Although he did not specify the target of his criticism, observers interpret the remarks as being aimed at hardliners within the ruling bloc who oppose the appointment of Kim Ji-yong, the nominee to head the Serious Crime Investigation Agency.