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President Lee Jae-myung holds an informal meeting with reporters in the lobby of Chunchugwan, the press center at the Blue House, on the 19th. / Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung looked back on his first 500 days in office on the 19th, remarking, "There is also self-reflection that there may have been a sort of overconfidence in carrying out reform tasks."

Making a surprise visit to Chunchugwan that day to meet with reporters, President Lee made the remarks in response to a question asking what the biggest obstacle was in advancing reform tasks, saying, "I wonder if my lack of preparation and insufficient management of the process was the biggest cause."

President Lee said, "I think there might have been a strong mindset of 'We are trying to do well, we are doing well, and things will ultimately turn out for the better, so please bear with us for now.'"

He continued, "For example, some people ask on my behalf, 'People say reforms failed, but what failed? What specifically went wrong?'" adding, "While that makes sense in a way, what is more important is whether there was a lack of persuasion, empathy, and comfort for those who stand to lose something."

President Lee said, "My frequent use of Twitter is to convey our sincerity, and speaking with all of you unexpectedly today is also part of reflecting on whether I have become too detached from the ground," adding, "I deeply reflected on whether our sincerity is being properly conveyed. The biggest cause lies with me."

                                                                                                             Hong Sun-mi