(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Oct. 29)

President Lee Jae Myung grappled with the fallout of his farmland survey policy, an issue that had driven a wedge between him and farmers. The administration's plan to assess farmland nationwide had ignited controversy, with farmers viewing it as a direct threat to their livelihoods. The survey aimed to identify abandoned farmland, which the government intended to impose heavy penalties on owners. However, the policy was met with skepticism, as farmers feared being forced to sell their land against their will.

The CPTPP trade pact further complicated matters, casting doubt on the administration's intentions. President Lee remained indecisive about the trade pact, while his explanation of the farmland survey was perceived as evasive. He even attempted to shift blame onto speculators, suggesting that the controversy might be unavoidable.

Farmers viewed the survey as a serious threat to their livelihoods, fearing they could be compelled to sell their land. They argued that the policy disproportionately affected elderly farmers, who were unable to cultivate their land due to age or illness. The controversy stemmed from the administration's assumption that all abandoned farmland was speculative property, leading to heavy punitive taxes on landowners.

The farmland survey initially proposed by Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung was intended to address rural population decline. However, it became controversial due to the government's assumption that all abandoned farmland was speculative property. President Lee's campaign against speculative investment risked collateral damage to farmers.

Critics accused the administration of rushing the policy's implementation, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. President Lee acknowledged the shortcomings of the policy but failed to persuade farmers of its merits during a town hall meeting. The meeting exposed a problem of representation, with one farmer disputing claims that few farmers were concerned about the farmland policy.

To regain trust and address farmers' concerns, President Lee must acknowledge the shortcomings of the policy and apologize for its rushed implementation. This first step would be crucial in regaining farmers' confidence and bridging the gap between the administration and the farming community.