Lee defends live Cabinet broadcasts, rejects claims of silenced ministers

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday rejected claims that live broadcasts of Cabinet meetings are silencing ministers, stating that transparency is a principle of governance. In a post on X, Lee expressed deep regret over "false claims" suggesting that public broadcasts hinder free speech among Cabinet members. He emphasized that he disagrees with calls to hold all Cabinet meetings behind closed doors, adding that meeting records have long been publicly available and that openness is fundamental to administrative processes. The comments followed reports that approximately 10 Cabinet ministers had urged Prime Minister Han Seong-sook to ask Lee to reduce the scope of live Cabinet broadcasts. According to the Hankook Ilbo, these ministers reportedly worried that open challenges to the president might damage his reputation and lead to hasty policy decisions. Some ministers also raised concerns about Lee’s frequent use of social media for policy communication. Lee disputed the accuracy of these reports, stating that aside from one minister mentioning at a prime minister-hosted dinner that holding Cabinet meetings in public is difficult, other claims, such as requests to stop public broadcasts or concerns about social media usage, are likely untrue. He denied allegations that televised Cabinet meetings stifle debate, citing efforts within his administration to encourage diverse viewpoints. Lee highlighted that regulations have been amended to allow for broader participation and more robust discussions. He noted that the public has witnessed ministers openly challenging his views. He compared those uncomfortable with direct communication between the public and elected officials to "middlemen who find direct transactions between producers and consumers inconvenient." Lee acknowledged such discomfort but argued against blocking direct interactions solely to protect intermediaries' interests. He reiterated that ministers can raise issues in closed-door sessions following public meetings and encouraged them to contact him directly if they feel constrained even in private settings. He stressed the duty of public officials to voice concerns when they believe wrongdoing exists, asserting that silence equates to evading responsibilities or betraying public trust. Lee expressed confidence that no Cabinet minister under his administration would hesitate to address necessary matters with him. Lee viewed public Cabinet meetings as opportunities for ministers to demonstrate their dedication and capabilities to the public, noting many are effectively utilizing these platforms.