Lee marks first year in office with press conference open to college journalists

President Lee Jae Myung's first-anniversary press conference centered on reviewing the past year under the theme of "recovery and normalization" and laying out his vision for the remainder of his term under the banner of "Irreplaceable Korea."

Lee held the live-broadcast event Monday at the Yeongbingwan banquet hall of Cheong Wa Dae. It was his fourth press conference as president, following a 30-day briefing last July, a 100-day briefing last September and a New Year's conference in January.

A slogan reading "Irreplaceable Korea — a country the world cannot do without" was displayed at the front of the venue, conveying the message that Korea's endeavors will set new global standards.

The event opened with a specially produced video, screened as the lights dimmed, that compressed the past year of governance under the theme "A year of recovery and leap forward — a path of transformation built by the people."

After watching the video with attendees, Lee delivered his opening remarks in a composed tone, reflecting on the past year before presenting his vision for his second year in office.

Lee wore a black suit with a white-and-sky-blue striped tie — the same tie he wore at the 21st presidential inauguration ceremony held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on Aug. 15 last year. Cheong Wa Dae said the choice signaled that he would not lose sight of his founding commitment and expressed hope for the country. It also reflected his desire to show respect for the people and remain approachable, the presidential office added.

Among the roughly 160 domestic and foreign journalists at the conference, two college students with university press backgrounds drew attention as invited guests. Jeong Bo-hyeon, a senior majoring in economics at Ewha Womans University, and Seonwoo Yeong-hyeon, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering at Inha University, posed questions about the concerns and challenges facing younger generations.

Their invitation was part of an effort to broaden access to presidential press conferences. Regional media outlets had been invited to the 30-day conference, independent media to the 100-day conference, and finance, economics and arts YouTubers to the January New Year's briefing.

All senior presidential aides were present, including Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom, along with senior secretaries for political affairs, public communications, public outreach, civil affairs, personnel, the economy and social affairs, as well as the fiscal planning adviser and the first, second and third deputy national security advisers.

Following his opening statement, Lee fielded questions spanning the economy and livelihoods, politics, diplomacy and security, and social and cultural affairs. He responded throughout in a measured tone, sharing reflections on the past year, outlining his governance vision for his second year and presenting four overarching national goals.