Seoul:President Lee Jae Myung stated his opposition to ending live broadcasts of Cabinet meetings, responding to a news report suggesting that Cabinet members had called for such a change. He dismissed the report as a "false claim."

According to Yonhap News Agency, the president addressed the issue on his X account, referencing a report that indicated ministers had raised concerns about livestreaming during a recent dinner with the prime minister.

Since the beginning of his administration in June of last year, President Lee has been broadcasting Cabinet meetings and other presidential events online to improve public engagement. The live broadcasts include the president's opening remarks and general discussions. However, sessions are closed when sensitive topics are addressed.

President Lee emphasized that he disagrees with suggestions to close entire Cabinet sessions to the public. He noted that the minutes of Cabinet meetings have been available to the public in the past and that, in principle, all public administration should be transparent.

The president refuted claims that Cabinet members had requested the prime minister to suggest ending the live broadcasts to him, labeling it as "not true." The office of Prime Minister Han Seong-sook also denied the report, which alleged that some ministers were concerned about their inability to publicly challenge or oppose the president's remarks.

Han's office highlighted that the Lee administration is the first to livestream Cabinet discussions, aiming to ensure transparency and incorporate public opinion into policymaking. President Lee also reassured that Cabinet members could make confidential remarks during closed sessions and encouraged them to speak to him privately if necessary.

He expressed confidence that no Cabinet members felt unable to communicate their views directly to him in the current administration and expressed "deep regret" over the dissemination of "false claims."