President Lee: "Giving Advice Like a Master in Omok Is Fine, but Don't Overturn the Board"

President Lee Jaemyung stated, "There are those who offer advice in the Master Go competition just because they play a little Omok. Giving advice is fine, but you shouldn’t overturn the board." While he did not directly name a particular party or figure, some interpret his remarks as targeting the People Power Party, which has recently continued its offensive over his comments regarding the Israeli military.

Yonhap News

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On the early morning of April 14, President Lee posted on his X account (formerly Twitter), "Obsessed with family quarrels, you look ready to side with Martians in an invasion of Earth. Shouldn’t we focus on saving Earth first?" he criticized.

This latest post by President Lee appears to be a continuation of the recent "Israel SNS controversy" that has unfolded over the past few days. Previously, on April 12, President Lee wrote on X, "Those who harm the national interest for their own gain are called traitors," adding, "Empathy is not only for individuals but also applies to international relations." This was interpreted as a rebuttal to criticism directed at him by the political establishment and certain media outlets.

The People Power Party has been intensifying its criticism regarding President Lee’s posts related to Israel. In an official statement on April 11, the party called it a "diplomatic disaster on social media." On April 13, the party further escalated its rhetoric, describing it as a "national catastrophe" and a "diplomatic act of self-harm," and demanded an apology and appropriate measures from the president. In a floor comment on the same day, the party also took direct issue with President Lee's use of the word "traitor."

Previously, Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yoojeong responded to a question on MBC Radio’s "Kwon Soonpyo's News High Kick" about whether the president, who has emphasized pragmatic diplomacy, was suddenly engaging in value-based diplomacy as criticized by the opposition. She replied, "Rather than viewing things in a short-sighted manner, it is necessary to take a long-term perspective." She continued, "President Lee wanted to reaffirm the universal value of human rights and the spirit of respect for life, and hoped to express his deep concern for the unexpected inconveniences and suffering experienced by the public. I hope that is how it is understood." She added, "Having worked with the president, if I were to use a Go analogy, while I play at the Omok level, he always plays at the level of a master in the national championship."

When asked whether this might be with negotiations with Iran in mind, Chief Spokesperson Kang answered, "Again, I see that as a short-sighted way of thinking," and added, "I believe the effects will become clear over time."

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