The Lee Jae-myung administration differs significantly from previous Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) governments. It advocates a moderate conservative stance and follows a pragmatic policy line. In his inaugural address, President Lee emphasized the importance of happiness through growth, asserting that both individuals and the country must grow in order to share. He declared his intent to lead a flexible, pragmatic government focused on market principles. This stands in stark contrast to former President Moon Jae-in’s inaugural speech, which emphasized the eradication of authoritarianism, independence of power institutions, chaebol reform, and a society free from privilege and injustice. Based on the inaugural speech alone, the Lee administration more closely resembles that of Lee Myung-bak, who called for a shift from ideological politics to pragmatism in pursuit of national advancement.

In the early days of his presidency, Lee’s actions have reflected this pragmatism. His first directive was to establish an emergency economic task force, and he visited the Korea Exchange, advocating for a “KOSPI 5000 era.” During his first phone call with the U.S. President Donald Trump, he brought up golf as a topic of conversation, and in his initial call with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, he deliberately avoided sensitive historical issues.

Given the challenges facing the Lee administration, pragmatism appears to be a rational approach. South Korea is facing severe political and social polarization, an economic crisis so severe that some are calling it a “second IMF crisis,” and diplomatic pressures as it navigates between the U.S. and China. In such times, it is only natural for the government to focus on protecting national interests and improving citizens’ lives. Considering that the Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in administrations were often criticized as “rowing westward but the boat drifted east” or having “high ideals but lacking capability,” the Lee administration’s emphasis on delivering tangible results could help it overcome the limitations of its Democratic predecessors.

The real challenge lies not in words, but in action, and the political environment may prove to be the first major obstacle. The Lee administration’s top priority is to dismantle the forces behind the alleged insurrection which occurred on December 3 of last year. Investigations and prosecutions targeting former President Yoon Suk-yeol, members of the previous administration, and figures from the former ruling party are seen as inevitable. This is likely to intensify political confrontation with the opposition. The administration must act swiftly to isolate these forces, concluding the purge through a broad pro-reform coalition that minimizes division. To do so, it must tune in to the voices of ordinary citizens rather than only its core supporters. Prosecutorial reform is also essential, but it must be managed carefully so it does not become a political black hole, consuming all other priorities, as it did during the Moon administration.

Foreign policy dynamics also pose a challenge to maintaining a pragmatic course. Immediately after congratulating President Lee on his inauguration, the White House unexpectedly voiced concerns about Chinese interference, prompting a backlash from China, which condemned the remarks as a provocation against relations between South Korea and China. This episode symbolizes South Korea’s increasingly precarious position. As the line between economics and national security continues to blur, South Korea must pursue a multi-dimensional strategy that maintains robust support from the U.S. while also repairing ties with China. It must also develop a new approach to North Korea and the U.S., avoiding the ideological infighting between advocates of autonomy versus alliance that plagued previous Democratic administrations. This is uncharted territory.

The essence of a pragmatic government is delivering results. Yet excessive focus on outcomes can risk authoritarianism. Overemphasis on performance may sever communication and dismiss legitimate criticism as interference. Such tendencies are already visible in some appointments. One of the candidates for Constitutional Court justice reportedly served as Lee’s legal counsel. Meanwhile, the nominee for the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, who is responsible for vetting public officials, has been implicated in misconduct including the use of borrowed names in real estate dealings. If pragmatism clashes with values like fairness and justice, it will lose its credibility.

The government must also avoid sidelining progressive and reformist agendas in its pursuit of economic growth. “In a society where conservatism runs deep, even a president from the DPK has embraced conservative rhetoric, leaving progressive agendas increasingly marginalized. Issues like protecting the vulnerable, environmental sustainability, labor rights, and gender equality may not directly drive economic growth but are essential for a mature and just society. A government is not a corporation. It must retain the progressive orientation of Democratic administrations while pragmatically addressing the shadows cast by growth.

According to a Realmeter poll released on June 9, 58.2 percent of respondents said they believe President Lee will manage state affairs well. This rating is higher than former President Yoon’s 52.7 percent at the same point but lower than those of former Presidents Moon Jae-in (74.8 percent), Park Geun-hye (64.4 percent), and Lee Myung-bak (79.3 percent). The figures reveal considerable skepticism toward the new administration. I hope that Lee can indeed become the president for all people, as he has pledged to be, through the success of his pragmatic government.