Lee Jae-myung's special lecture, Public officials are small gods

Introduction - Little gods are everywhere

In July 2025, 305 prospective civil servants who were completing the 70th new manager training course gathered at the main auditorium of the Government Sejong Building. A special lecture was scheduled for that day. It was an event where the President himself would speak about the philosophy and responsibilities of public office. For those taking their first steps into the public service, meeting the President held significance beyond just a symbol. The special lecture by President Lee Jae-myung, which lasted about an hour, unfolded in an atmosphere of both lightheartedness and seriousness. He entered in person, shared in the national ceremony, and made an effort to meet the prospective civil servants at their level. However, he soon began to discuss the essential weight of public office in a deep and profound manner. Among the many words spoken, one phrase left a lasting impression on the attendees: "Public officials play the role of minor gods." At first, it might have seemed like an exaggerated metaphor, but as the lecture continued, its meaning became increasingly clear. Public officials are beings who exercise authority delegated to them by the people, with each of their decisions significantly impacting the lives of citizens. This expression was aimed at emphasizing that fact. This essay aims to reflect on the significance contained in the phrase "minor gods," focusing on the influence, responsibility, and necessary attitudes of public officials. While a god is not an absolute being, much like the weight of that existence, public officials must bear ‘absolute responsibility’ for their decisions.

Whose name does a public official work under?

Public officials do not act in their own name. All decisions are made in the 'name of the people.' President Lee Jae-myung described public officials as 'agents entrusted with the authority of the people.' The power exercised by public officials is merely what the people have temporarily entrusted to them, and it is not an autonomous authority that can be used arbitrarily, but a power that comes with clear responsibilities. Every citizen cannot understand the entire system of the state. Therefore, they delegate administrative tasks to civil servants. This delegation is institutionalized through laws and principles. Within that framework, public officials make decisions, coordinate, and execute on behalf of the people. Thus, every document faced by public officials is, in effect, a document faced by the public. Each approval, every line of the report, and every phone response is directly connected to the rights and interests of the people. This is why there is a tremendous responsibility hidden within everyday tasks. These small choices can change someone's life, alter the environment of a region, and sometimes even change the course of history.

The power of small gods, their terrifying impact

"A single approval can change a person's destiny." President Lee Jae-myung has repeated this statement multiple times. It encapsulates how significantly the daily lives of public officials can influence society. During a lecture, the president likened the public official's approval pen to a "pachoseon," a fan featured in the classic novel "Journey to the West," which, when waved, creates a massive storm. The president emphasized its symbolic power by saying, "The approval pen is a pachoseon. If wielded recklessly, it becomes a storm." The authority of public officials is not visible. However, it actually has a cascading effect across society, influencing the flow of budgets, the granting of permits, and the implementation of policies. In particular, practical civil servants make choices that directly affect the lives of individual citizens through various administrative actions. Therefore, qualities such as "caution" and "responsibility" are of utmost importance for public officials. This influence can sometimes lead to unintended harm. Administrative errors due to mistakes, passive responses, and deviations from standards can distress citizens in unexpected ways. Thus, public officials must be even more thorough and always aware of their impact.

Virtues that a small god must possess

President Lee Jae-myung spoke about three virtues that public officials should possess: direction, sincerity, and expertise. First, direction. He emphasized that a public official's ability depends more on 'directionality' than on technical skills. No matter how competent one may be, if that ability is directed towards personal gain, it is merely a dangerous talent. Every judgment made by a public official should follow the compass of 'the overall interest of the people.' The moment that direction becomes blurred, the meaning of public service is distorted. Second, sincerity. Sincerity is not simply about work attitude. It involves the effort to avoid repeating mistakes, the commitment to maintaining standards even when no one is watching, and the responsibility that remains intact amidst the repetition of daily tasks. The President stated, 'It is the diligent person's fingertips that complete administration, rather than the clever slacker.' Third, expertise. The expertise of public officials serves as a tool for realizing the common good. A thorough understanding of tasks, regulations, and laws, along with technical precision, is necessary to provide tangible assistance to the people. However, expertise is not a license that justifies authority. It acquires true meaning when it is exercised on the foundation of direction and sincerity.

Power is completed when it makes a decision.

The world of administration does not always contain problems with clear answers. Numerous interests clash, the opinions of the people are divided, and there are times when decisions must be made amid controversy. President Lee Jae-myung proposed a principle while answering questions: 'Remove misunderstandings, adjust interests, and ultimately make a decision.' This principle serves as an execution philosophy that policymakers should possess and is also an attitude applicable to the judgments of practitioners. If a policy is deemed right even in the face of public opposition, the message is that it should be decided after careful consideration. The president shared his experience from his time as the governor of Gyeonggi Province when he was addressing illegal businesses occupying the valley. In a situation where the livelihoods of operators, the safety of tourists, and the protection of the natural environment clashed, he led to an adjustment through a new suggestion: 'Let’s sell coffee instead of chicken porridge.' After gaining understanding, a decision needed to follow. That is the essence of exercising power as a public official.

Conclusion - We, who are not gods, must take responsibility like gods.

Public officials are not omnipotent gods. However, the people demand from them the responsibilities akin to those of a deity. This is because public officials are not merely individuals, but representatives of the state and the citizens. President Lee Jae-myung said, 'We are not gods. However, we must take responsibility like gods.' The daily life of a public official shapes the realities of the citizens. One approval can change a life, a single judgment can alter a community, and one mistake can shake society. Therefore, a public official is not just a 'person performing tasks,' but someone who plays the role of a 'small god.' A small god must be humble, accurate, and integrity-driven. Only those public officials who resist temptation, exercise restraint in power, and do not evade responsibility can truly become 'people who act like gods.' The citizens do not demand perfection from public officials. However, they hope that public officials clearly recognize the position they hold. That recognition determines the dignity of the public office. And that dignity ultimately determines the lives of us all.