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Lee Han-joo, chairperson of the Presidential Commission on National Planning, answers questions during a press briefing at the commission’s office in Jongno, Seoul, on June 22. / Source: Yonhap News

Lee Han-joo, chairperson of the Presidential Commission on National Planning, expressed disappointment with recent policy briefings submitted by ministries, saying they were underwhelming despite the effort made. Speaking at a press conference on June 22 to mark the commission’s first week, he said, “There were disappointing aspects relative to the effort shown.”

Lee announced that revised briefings will be requested and signaled a firm stance against criticism from opposition figures accusing the commission of high-handedness. “We are not backing down,” he said.

Speaking at the commission’s office in Changseong-dong, Seoul, Lee remarked, “Though it has been about two weeks since the new administration took office, many ministries still appear to lack full alignment with its agenda.” He added, “This is less a particular failure than a reflection of the loosened governance under the previous administration.”

He pointed to the Prosecution Service, Korea Communications Commission, and Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries as agencies that should show “more visible signs of sincere effort.”

From June 18 to 20, the commission received policy briefings from ministries. However, the sessions with the Prosecution Service and Communications Commission were suspended due to inadequate preparation, while the Oceans Ministry was asked to submit a new report following a leak of materials.

“There may have been some potential for misunderstanding,” Lee said, “but the intent was to encourage better performance and cooperation, not to merely reprimand.”

He emphasized the focus on campaign promises: “What matters is not what was done in the past, but the commitments made to the public during the campaign—through speeches, pledges, and messages, including on social media.”

Park Hong-geun, chair of the commission’s planning division, addressed criticism from the ruling People Power Party by referring to the 2022 briefings under President Yoon Suk-yeol’s transition team. “Politicizing the effort to restore normalcy after policy failure and internal unrest is unacceptable,” he said. “We will not accept politically motivated attacks.”

Starting this week, the commission will launch task forces for government restructuring and tax-fiscal reform. While open to various proposals, officials stressed that the president’s statements and pledges would take priority.

In regard to the overheated real estate market in the Seoul metropolitan area, the commission ruled out temporary or expansionist measures.

Lee Choon-suk, head of the commission’s second economic subcommittee, said, “We should not pursue measures like building new towns around the capital just to stabilize housing prices. We are working on more fundamental solutions.”