(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on Sept. 21)

President Lee Jae Myung's recent press conference highlighted growing public frustration with his administration, as his approval rating stands at 37 percent and disapproval at 56 percent. While Lee addressed concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, housing, personnel choices, and political controversy, he offered more explanation than evidence of a change in direction.

The president ruled out military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz but pledged to consider ways to strengthen the Cheonghae Unit's activities to protect shipping, Koreans, and oil routes. However, the government still needs to define the limits of its role to avoid combat. Lee's decision to not seek another term through constitutional revision was a positive step, but his support for an investigation into allegations that the charges against him were fabricated left an awkward possibility.

The special counsel's findings could later become grounds for action against those cases, creating a situation where an investigation involving the president's own cases could ultimately benefit him.

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