Mar 7 • 15:03 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

President Yoon: "With Authority Comes Responsibility… Just because we are in power does not mean we can do as we please"

President Yoon expressed that holding power carries significant responsibility, emphasizing the need for unity and the importance of representing all citizens rather than just a faction.

President Yoon of South Korea stated on the 7th that, while it is vital to uphold the ideals, values, and promises made prior to his presidency, he cautioned against the misconception that being in power allows for arbitrary action. He underscored that the primary responsibility of a president is to unify the nation, asserting that once in office, the president represents all citizens. Therefore, decisions concerning public affairs should be based on deliberation and compromise rather than individual opinions being deemed as absolute truths.

He emphasized the importance of recognizing that all opinions hold their own validity, and adopting an attitude that one’s viewpoint is the only correct perspective leads to extreme divisions and failures. Yoon acknowledged the natural inclination for individuals to act in their interests but insisted that public officials must approach their responsibilities from a position of fairness and rationality, striving to maximize collective happiness for the majority of citizens.

Furthermore, Yoon pointed out that the modern electorate, having evolved into a collective intelligence, cannot be deceived regardless of how well information is concealed or packaged. He highlighted that the interests of an individual or political group should never take precedence over the nation’s future or the benefits for its people. He reminded that the weight of authority and responsibility is equal, cautioning that one should never underestimate the formidable awareness of the public as a whole.

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