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President Lee Jae-myung takes a question from a participant during the Gwangju and South Jeolla Residents’ Town Hall held at the National Asia Culture Center in Gwangju on June 25. / Source: Presidential Office

On July 3, President Lee Jae-myung will hold his first official press conference since taking office, aiming to candidly address his vision for governance and answer questions on key issues—without a prepared script or pre-arranged speaking order.

According to the presidential office, the event titled “30 Days of the Presidency: Questions from the Press, Answers to the People” will begin at 10 a.m. and adopt a town hall format, designed to foster closer, more open dialogue with journalists. The discussion will cover a range of topics including the economy, politics, diplomacy and national security, and society and culture. Only the broad thematic structure has been outlined, with no specific questions or answers prepared in advance.

Town hall meetings, often used by political leaders and CEOs, are known for their informal, conversational format, where the speaker engages directly with participants through Q&A and open discussion.

Asked by AsiaToday whether each senior office in the presidential secretariat was preparing anticipated questions and responses, a presidential aide said, “No such preparations are being made.” While there may be a loose outline for Lee’s opening remarks, it’s unlikely he will read from a script, the aide added.

Typically, presidents receive briefing materials with potential questions and suggested responses ahead of major press events, as it is unrealistic for any leader to have complete knowledge of all issues. However, those close to Lee reportedly have strong confidence in his improvisational ability.

Lee, a former lawyer, mayor of Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province governor, and Democratic Party leader, is known for his fluency in public speaking and deep grasp of policy matters. His aides describe him as a “skilled orator” with strong command of both the details and the big picture.

Observers believe last month’s Gwangju and South Jeolla Residents’ Town Hall offers a preview of the upcoming press event. During that meeting on June 25, Lee moderated the session himself, mediated sensitive local issues such as the relocation of a military airport, and gave on-the-spot directives to government officials in response to citizens’ complaints.