President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday launched a policy transparency drive by livestreaming annual government policy briefings nationwide. The four-hour session marked the first time a South Korean president publicly broadcast such comprehensive internal policy discussions. Previously, administrations conducted these briefings privately while limiting public access to prepared summaries or selected remarks. Moreover, Lee described the livestream as a historic shift in how citizens observe governance and administrative decision-making.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung announced the initiative earlier this month, emphasizing openness and direct public engagement. Accordingly, Kang explained that the policy transparency drive aims to share governing philosophy and policy implementation processes openly. Lee’s office has repeatedly stressed the importance of improving trust through visible decision-making practices.
Since July, the presidential office has gradually expanded live broadcasts of cabinet discussions affecting citizens’ daily lives. Previously, cameras stopped rolling after opening remarks, but Lee’s administration reversed that long-standing convention. Additionally, presidential question-and-answer sessions have aired live since late June without interruption or editing. As a result, viewers now observe unscripted exchanges between officials and the president during sensitive policy debates.
Supporters argue that this policy transparency drive strengthens trust and accountability between the government and the public. Meanwhile, opinion surveys show Lee’s approval rating recently dipped to fifty-six percent, its lowest in two months. However, respondents cited frequent communication, diplomatic efforts, and economic oversight as reasons for continued approval. Political analysts suggest visibility and consistency help explain Lee’s relatively resilient public support.
Nevertheless, experts caution that excessive openness may complicate candid discussions among policymakers. Lee Jun-han, a political science professor at Incheon National University, urged consistency in transparency practices. He warned selective disclosure could foster suspicion rather than trust if officials broadcast only favorable debates.
Similarly, Professor Yoon Kwang-il of Sookmyung Women’s University raised concerns about public misinterpretation risks. Yoon argued that televised debates may exaggerate individual leadership abilities while minimizing institutional complexity. Furthermore, he warned such broadcasts could mislead viewers into expecting simple solutions to structurally complex governance challenges. Yoon also cautioned that frequent presidential commentary might create unrealistic perceptions of omniscient leadership authority.
Despite criticism, the presidential office continues expanding live broadcasts across ministries and advisory bodies. Officials argue that increased exposure encourages accountability and reinforces democratic norms within state institutions. Looking ahead, observers expect debates over balancing openness and effective governance to intensify. Ultimately, Lee’s policy transparency drive may redefine how future administrations engage citizens in national decision-making.
