[Digital Today Jin-ho Lee] President Lee Jae-myung (이재명) said at a news conference on Thursday that he would share his reflections from the past 15 months and his position on various pending issues. He also shared the government’s policy on issues including South Korea-U.S. negotiations over investment in the United States and semiconductor investment.

Lee began the news conference at 10:30 a.m. at the state guesthouse of Cheong Wa Dae. In opening remarks, he said, "It is also true that after the local elections I was flustered as I faced the sudden disappointment and worry of the public." He added, "After much deliberation and reflection, the conclusion is that 'the public is always right,' and it is all due to my shortcomings."

In the question-and-answer session that followed, Lee responded on issues including South Korea-U.S. investment negotiations in the United States, cancellation of indictments, a deployment to Hormuz, personnel matters, prosecution reform and real estate policy.

Lee said negotiations over investment in the United States, which have entered their final stage, are being renegotiated because it is difficult to agree to some parts. He described the matter as "a very complex and difficult task" and explained that it has mixed effects on South Korea-U.S. relations. He stressed that there was significant friction in reflecting the "commercial reasonableness" sought by South Korea in the agreement during the initial negotiations.

Lee said investment in semiconductor facilities in the United States would take into account both corporate management judgment and the national industrial strategy. He explained that on semiconductor plant investments in the United States by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, he would respect corporate views while working toward a reasonable conclusion that protects the national interest.

On troop deployment, he said, "There will be no deployment that involves or intervenes in a war." On real estate reform, he said, "Everyone tried and failed, but I can clearly tell you that this government will do it," taking a firm stance.

Asked whether it is right to grant a special counsel for manipulated indictments the authority to cancel indictments, he asked the National Assembly to "delete the clause among the special counsel’s powers now in dispute on the transfer or disposition of existing indictment cases, and to focus only on uncovering the truth."

In closing remarks, he again lowered his posture. "It is true that I am lacking," he said. "As I focused on work and results, I have now come to painfully realize that my lack of attention to detail in the process is a very serious problem." He stressed, "I will communicate more and show more respect."

The news conference lasted about 100 minutes and covered a total of 14 questions. It ended in a shorter time than the one-year anniversary news conference in the first week of June, which lasted 167 minutes and included 21 questions, or the New Year news conference in January, which lasted 173 minutes and included 25 questions.