According to the Korea Economic Daily and OhmyNews, Lee's first YouTube program, “The President's Y,” was released on Thursday night. Produced by the presidential office, it will air every two to three weeks, cover current affairs and policy, and answer citizens' comments left on the president's social media. The first episode was pre-recorded, and Lee said edited footage can make viewers suspicious and that he wants to do unedited live broadcasts in future.

Background to Kim Eo-jun's claim

The trigger was the “algorithm prison” claim Kim made on his own YouTube show on September 28. He argued that many fake accounts could narrow the president's view by piling likes, reposts and replies on certain posts and following politicians' accounts to push them to the top of a feed. He advised an inspection by IT experts and that Lee refrain from reposting others' content for a while. This is Kim's opinion, and no report says it has been verified.

Behind it was an episode on September 18 when Lee quoted a post from an X account and later deleted it after it emerged the account had disparaged figures in the ruling camp. Outlets said a similar controversy arose on the 27th when he shared a post from a supporter's account. Kim read these as the effect of “operated accounts.”

On the show Lee flatly denied the claim. OhmyNews reported that he said people with great power tend to hear only pleasing words, so candid opinions are precious, and that he is “not trapped.” The Korea Economic Daily said he replied that he sees not only praise but also “insults and criticism.” Asked about late-night posting, he said he sleeps about six hours a day and does not lose his composure.

Differing views on how to communicate

Lee defended direct communication through social media, saying citizens offer ideas and reveal situations that reports miss. His point was that direct contact with citizens mattered when the media and political opponents attacked him, and that the press matters but is not enough. He acknowledged a recent error about suicide statistics in a livestreamed cabinet meeting but said openness builds trust and the cost is tolerable.

Critics, by contrast, note that a president's social-media posts can stir unintended controversy. Because Kim, who raised the issue, is a prominent pro-government broadcaster, some read it as a sign of concern over the president's social-media habits even among supporters. The opposition's official reaction, however, does not appear in the reports this newspaper checked. Lee also said he expects the recently appointed special inspector to make presidential office staff more careful in what they say and do.