South Korean President Lee Jae Myung issued a stark warning to property speculators. He utilized his personal social media account for this direct communication on Tuesday. Consequently, he told owners of multiple homes to divest their holdings now. Furthermore, he framed this statement as a necessary recommendation for everyone. Therefore, his message emphasized a final chance to avoid future repercussions.
President Lee actively questioned the nation’s ability to curb real estate speculation. He noted the country recently overcame a grave national crisis successfully. This direct communication aligns with his recent focus on housing prices. On Saturday, he called normalizing the market a top policy priority. He argued this goal was more important than stock market gains.
Moreover, the President has increased his social media activity significantly recently. However, this approach has sparked substantial political and legal controversy. Opposition lawmakers sharply criticize his chosen method of direct communication. They argue it creates policy uncertainty and potential legal violations. Representative Ahn Cheol-soo specifically cited the Presidential Records Act.
According to Ahn, official presidential remarks require proper recording and preservation. Daily policy directives via personal accounts might circumvent this law. Previously, Lee posted a warning about criminal syndicates in Cambodia. That message, written in Khmer, was subsequently deleted following diplomatic concerns. This incident further fuels criticism of his online conduct.
Representative Song Eon-seog, the opposition floor leader, also condemned the rhetoric. He stated the “last chance” language resembles an extreme threat. Such messaging could potentially unsettle the housing market unnecessarily. Song clarified that social media itself is not the fundamental problem. Instead, the content and tone of the messages lack sufficient refinement.
The controversy highlights a modern governance dilemma about official communication. Presidents and leaders globally now use platforms like X directly. This direct communication bypasses traditional press channels and statements. Yet it raises questions about accountability, record-keeping, and market influence. Experts are debating the implications for democratic transparency and stability.
Economists are also monitoring the impact on the real estate sector. Soaring housing prices remain a critical issue for many South Koreans. The government has pledged strong action to improve affordability. However, market participants need clear and predictable policy signals. Volatile or emotional statements can inadvertently increase uncertainty.
Looking ahead, the administration may face pressure to clarify its procedures. There might be calls for a designated official channel for major announcements. The opposition will likely continue its scrutiny of every social media post. President Lee must balance his direct public engagement with institutional norms. His approach will test the boundaries of presidential communication.
Ultimately, this event underscores the power and peril of digital diplomacy. Direct communication offers unparalleled reach and speed for leaders. However, it also carries risks for diplomatic and market stability. The coming weeks will show if the housing warning affects speculator behavior. The political debate over “X politics” will certainly intensify further. South Korea’s experiment with presidential social media continues.
