Lee Jae-myung's Special Lecture, Money is the Devil

Introduction – The devil comes with the face of an angel

In July 2025, there was a special lecture at the training course for the 70th class of new 5th level managers. The President personally attended and delivered a lecture to 305 new public officials, creating an atmosphere filled with loud applause and tension. The lecture, titled "In the era of popular sovereignty, creating the path of public officials together with the people," went beyond standard encouragement, vividly conveying the substantial weight of the public office. Among the many messages that left a deep impression on all attendees, one sentence stood out: "Money is the devil." President Lee Jae-myung emphasized this phrase while highlighting the importance of integrity, unraveling the real moments where corruption begins. Public officials, whether in high positions or in practical roles, are all individuals entrusted with the authority of the people. Therefore, even a small bribe or an accidentally received gift card can become a crack that could undermine the entire community rather than being seen as a simple mistake. This essay aims to reflect on the reality of temptations that public officials inevitably face, the principles of integrity, and the nature of power, centering around the President's warning that "money is the devil." This is because it serves as the minimum philosophy necessary for public officials to protect themselves and the entire citizenry.

How does the devil come to us?

Public officials are not special people. They have families and friends, and sometimes they navigate the loneliness and responsibility of being a newcomer in society. However, the moment they are placed under the title of 'public office,' they find themselves in a special position. And the devil that seeks that place approaches with the face of an angel. President Lee Jae-myung said, 'The devil never comes with the face of the devil. It comes with the most lovable and friendly face.' He described a typical scenario where the corruption of public officials begins. A phone call, a text message, a small snack, a meal, a round of golf. All are temptations wrapped in 'connections.' Especially around public officials, there are many people who leverage relationships such as relatives, seniors, college classmates, and lovers. They never utter the word 'bribe.' Instead, they wrap the temptation in words like 'You're doing a great job,' 'Let's have a coffee,' or 'It's just a small gift.' However, the first 100,000 won becomes touching, and before long, it increases to 300,000 won and 500,000 won, while the other party has already recorded you in their 'ledger.' That ledger may never be opened in your lifetime. But one day, when that person or that businessman is investigated, the ledger ends up in the hands of the authorities. And next to your name, it might say, '○○ Officer - gift vouchers 3 times, cash 1 time, response very good.' From that moment, public officials lose control of their lives. Money swallows that individual and the entire organization.

Why Does Money Corrupt Public Officials?

Public officials are individuals who have been delegated authority by the people. Whether it is decision-making power, budget execution, or policy planning, all authority is granted in the name of the citizens. The moment a public official uses their authority for personal gain, it is not simply a deviation but an act that infringes on the rights of the people. President Lee Jae-myung explained the relationship between power and money in this way: 'Public officials have power, and those in business try to penetrate that power with money.' Power carries influence. This influence can sometimes generate enormous profits from a single permit, a line in the budget, or an approval for a public works project. The reason businesses do not give up the temptation in the face of that power is precisely because of this. However, the issue does not stop at individual wrongdoing. One corrupt public official places hundreds of honest officials under the same suspicion. The people do not differentiate between individual public officials. A single incident can undermine the trust placed in all public officials. Thus, public officials must recognize that resisting temptation is, in itself, an act of preserving national trust. Money is not simply currency. It is the starting point that corrupts public officials, breeds distrust in organizations, and incites anger among the people.

How to Maintain Integrity

Integrity is not just about not accepting money. It includes avoiding temptation, not engaging in actions that could raise suspicion, and clearly distinguishing between personal and professional relationships. President Lee Jae-myung stated, 'The most certain way is not to meet with vendors at all.' He shared an anecdote from his time as the mayor of Seongnam, where he installed CCTV in the civil service consultation room. The reason was simple: it was to prevent being framed or to avoid creating room for misunderstanding, as that could lead to unfair accusations. 'What if I thought there was no problem, but someone wrote in their ledger that I received 30 million won? If I can only prove that I was there at that moment, that’s the end of it.' The way to maintain integrity is ultimately a way to protect oneself. Public officials are not just subjects of scrutiny they must safeguard themselves. Therefore, principles must be established first. No matter how close the relationship, it is necessary to practice firmly drawing the line against 'overstepping requests.' Maintaining distance from vendors from the outset, prioritizing rules over relationships, and placing one's principles above the perception of superiors are crucial attitudes.

Only those who overcome temptation can change the world.

Integrity is not a passive virtue. It is a foundation for actively taking responsibility for the people. President Lee Jae-myung summarizes the relationship between integrity and power like this: 'The reason public officials possess power is to overcome temptation and use it for the people.' The 'Pachoseon' is one of the metaphors used by the President. It is a fan that appears in the classic 'Journey to the West,' a mysterious tool that, when waved, brings forth a typhoon. The President stated that the approval pen in a public official's hand is like that Pachoseon. Each approval, document, or phone call made by a public official can change someone's life. It could be a child's admission to school, a family's livelihood, or the survival of a village. Therefore, that power becomes the true public strength only when held by someone who is integrity-driven. A Pachoseon that cannot resist temptation becomes a typhoon that devastates the world, while a Pachoseon held in hands of principle and responsibility becomes a wind that protects the people.

Conclusion – A public official is someone who overcomes the demon of money.

Public office is not just a stable job. It is a position entrusted with the lives of the people. The president said, 'In your hands, the lives, and even the lives of the people depend.' Therefore, public officials must be honest. No matter how smart and capable one may be, the moment they waver in front of money, all that ability becomes useless. Integrity is not something monitored by others. Rather, true integrity is about protecting oneself when no one is watching. 'Money is the devil.' This phrase is not just a simple metaphor. In reality, countless public officials have fallen in that way, and behind each of those cases is always the frustration and anger of the people. If the newly appointed Grade 5 public servants keep this message close to their hearts, the future of South Korea can become that much stronger. Public officials are people in power. However, the true power holder is the one who has overcome temptation. That power must be wielded for the people, and it begins with one principle. Integrity is the strongest weapon. A public official who conquers the devil of money is a real public official.