Tuesday, October 6, 2026

President Lee Jae Myung: "We Must Point Out Grammatically Incorrect, Nonsensical Words"

Input
2026-10-06 14:03:53
Updated
2026-10-06 14:03:53
President Lee Jae Myung is speaking at a State Council of South Korea meeting held at Cheong Wa Dae on the 6th. Cheong Wa Dae Press Photojournalist Group

[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung pointed out during a State Council of South Korea meeting on the 6th that "there are many instances where nonsensical words that do not conform to Korean grammar are used."
President Lee Jae Myung made these remarks at the 43rd State Council of South Korea meeting held at the main building of Cheong Wa Dae that day, citing examples such as "our country" and "keeping in mind." Noting that incorrect expressions are also seen in media reports, he explained that the correct expression is "keeping in mind" rather than "keeping in mind."
He went on to state, regarding the incorrect use of words, that "someone, somewhere, must point it out for language to develop normally."
However, he said, "I am not suggesting at all that we should control the use of abbreviations or things like that," adding, "I do think we should be a little more careful with official language, for example, in broadcast remarks or government documents."
President Lee Jae Myung emphasized, "What a great cultural asset the Korean language is," adding, "Shouldn't we cherish it even more?" Ahead of Hangeul Day, he urged the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) to pay attention to the preservation and proper use of Hangul.
He also raised the issue of adding Hangul to the Gwanghwamun signboard. President Lee Jae Myung stated, "We cannot see this great Hangul at Gwanghwamun, the most important place in the Republic of Korea. The Gwanghwamun signboard is written in Chinese characters," and introduced a plan to add a Hangul signboard below while maintaining the existing Chinese-character signboard.
He added, "If I were to vote, I think adding both scripts would be acceptable. That is my opinion." However, he conveyed his view that public opinion must be heard and discussed, stating, "It is not something I can do as I please, nor should I."
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) Choi Hwi-young explained that opinions are sharply divided between those who argue for adding Hangul alongside the existing script, considering the value and symbolism of Hangul, and those concerned about damage to the original form of cultural heritage and a decline in aesthetic beauty. In response, President Lee Jae Myung said, "Both sides have merit, but it seems we must reach a conclusion by next year." Minister Choi Hwi-young replied, "As the President mentioned, we are attempting to establish a direction to some extent within next year."
President Lee Jae Myung also asked viewers of the live broadcast of the State Council of South Korea meeting that day to leave a comment indicating '1' if they agreed to adding Hangul alongside the existing script and '2' if they disagreed. When the Office for Government Policy Coordination conveyed that over 90% of the comments were in favor, he remarked, "Is it because I expressed my opinion in advance?"

[email protected] Seong Seok-woo Reporter