Cheon Eunsu: "President Lee's Israeli Military SNS Post Emphasized Universal Human Rights, Not Targeting a Specific Country"

Cheon Eunsu, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, stated that the recent controversy surrounding President Lee Jaemyung's social media posts about the Israeli military was not aimed at any specific country but rather was intended to emphasize the universal principles of human rights that the international community must uphold. During a cabinet meeting on the 14th, President Lee also referred to the situation in the Middle East, saying, "I urge the parties involved in the war to take courageous steps toward the peace that the world desperately desires, based on the universal principle of human rights protection and the lessons of history."

Yonhap News Agency

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Appearing on KBS Radio’s ‘Jeonggyeok Sisa’ on the 15th, Cheon Eunsu said that the President’s social media message “points to the North Star that is universal values and universal human rights, which all of humanity should adhere to.” The spokesperson further clarified the intent behind the President’s message, explaining, “It was a principled statement that there can be no compromise with violence or anti-human rights behavior.” Regarding the recent controversy, Cheon added, “I think it should be seen as it is.” This drew a clear line against the ‘diplomatic disaster’ and ‘diplomatic blunder’ narratives that arose immediately after the President’s social media message about the Israeli military and the subsequent statement from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The spokesperson also rejected criticism that the government’s abstention from the recent UN resolution on holding Israel accountable for its actions contradicts the President’s message. Cheon responded, “The decision to abstain was a policy judgment made after comprehensively considering various technical factors, such as the specific wording of the resolution and the attitudes of countries with similar positions.” Regarding the President’s message, Cheon said, “Can one say there is a contradiction between the direction pointed to by the compass and the navigation skills needed to navigate the waves? Rather, they are complementary.” Addressing speculation about a possible shift in the government’s multilateral diplomatic stance, Cheon said, “There is no need to get ahead of ourselves,” and emphasized the importance of clearly explaining the true intent of the President’s message to prevent any distortion.

Regarding the President’s social media posts, Cheon explained that the administration is responding in a way that ensures the President’s intentions are communicated to the public without distortion. Cheon stated, “Posting messages on social media is the President’s decision,” and that the staff’s role is to provide explanations so that the intent is not misunderstood. When asked about criticisms that the President’s use of social media is provocative, Cheon replied, “The President is a master of social media,” and added, “Since people across the country are paying attention, I hope they view it with good humor.”

The issue of naphtha and crude oil supply caused by the prolonged war in the Middle East was also discussed. Cheon said that the Presidential Office is conducting daily reviews of the emergency economic situation, explaining, “We are monitoring the supply of each item using a traffic light system.” Items being monitored include naphtha, urea and urea solution, as well as medical devices such as syringes and needles. As the spike in oil prices could have a broad impact on the market, Cheon stressed the importance of taking preemptive measures.

Regarding crude oil procurement, Cheon stated, “Currently, we have secured between 60% and 70% of the usual annual supply,” and explained, “This is the result of the public and private sectors working together to diligently secure alternative supplies.” Cheon added, “Although the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain, there is no need for excessive concern through April and May. Nevertheless, we will not let our guard down.”

Cheon declined to comment specifically on the achievements of Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoonshik’s recent trip to the Middle East. Cheon did note, however, that before his departure, Kang had expressed his determination to “secure even one more barrel of crude oil or one more ton of naphtha.” Cheon added that while details may be provided later through separate briefings or meetings, it was difficult to make specific comments at that time due to an embargo.

Cheon was also asked about rumors that Presidential Office staff might run in the upcoming parliamentary by-elections. Cheon did not give a direct answer. When asked about the possibility of Chief Secretary Ha Jeongwoo running, Cheon quoted the President as recently saying, “You should not accept just because you’re approached,” and added, “The Chief also said, ‘I will focus on doing my job well.’” Regarding questions about Cheon’s own candidacy, Cheon answered, “My current field is the Presidential Office briefing room,” and stated that he is focused on his present role.

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