President Lee Jae Myung meets civic groups

President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to build a fair and transparent society. He made the vow during a meeting with members of civic groups at Cheong Wa Dae on Friday, September 4, 2026.

The meeting, arranged by the presidential office, aimed to bridge gaps between government policies and the realities facing activists. It brought together groups working on social issues including human rights, the environment, agriculture, peace, and history.

A Shared Vision for Society

Lee told the attendees that his administration's vision does not differ greatly from their own. He noted that both sides likely seek a community where all people are respected fairly. The president stated, "I hope we can seek good ideas together and build a country where the people can nurture hope and a fair and transparent system is in place."

He acknowledged, however, that the methods for achieving this goal may differ between the government and civil society.

The Role of Civil Society

The president emphasized the historical importance of civic groups in South Korea's political development. He said civil society has always played a very important role in the nation's democratization history. Lee asserted that its role would be enormous in the social reform his administration plans to pursue.

He directly called on the civic group members to play a role in pursuing this social reform. The meeting served as a platform for dialogue between the government and non-governmental actors on key policy areas.

The Meeting's Purpose

According to the presidential office, the gathering was specifically arranged to bridge gaps. It sought to connect government policies on social issues with the on-the-ground realities experienced by civic group activists. This effort at direct engagement shows the administration's stated focus on collaboration with civil society.

The event, reported by Yonhap News Agency, did not look at specific policy details or legislative bills. It focused instead on the broader pledge for societal reform and the intended partnership with civic organizations. The president's comments framed civil society not as an adversary but as a important partner in governance.