President Lee Jae-myung Calls for Accountability Amid Flood Crisis

On July 22, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung (이재명) presided over a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, where he addressed the severe impact of recent heavy rains. He expressed his dismay at public officials who engage in drinking and entertainment while citizens suffer in dire conditions, urging strict enforcement against such behavior.

President Lee emphasized the importance of accountability within the public sector, stating, 'It is crucial to uphold the principle of reward and punishment in public service.' He committed to being more sensitive to the hardships faced by each citizen, acknowledging that while designating special disaster areas may not provide significant relief, it should be done as swiftly as possible. He also called for expedited disbursement of special grants to assist affected communities.

Regarding the nationwide distribution of consumer coupons that began on the same day, he requested that each government department prepare additional programs to stimulate spending. He noted that many citizens are struggling with basic necessities, citing messages he has received about the high cost of watermelons and the need to provide meat for children. 'While this may sound strange to those who are better off, it reflects the reality of many of our citizens,' he remarked.

In response to concerns about inflation due to the coupon distribution, President Lee pointed out that prices have been rising unjustifiably even without the coupons. He urged for prompt and strict management of inflation.

Additionally, he addressed the issue of industrial accidents, stating that many fatalities occur when companies cut costs at the expense of safety. He pledged to visit sites of industrial accidents soon to assess the situation and develop appropriate responses.