“There Is Only ‘Lee Jae-myung’ in the Blue House—No President”: Why This Line Is Spreading

[Choice Times=By Hye-Beom Oark, political commentator]

As President Lee Jae-myung continues to issue hard-line messages on real-estate policy, one question comes to mind—before debating right or wrong.

Does he truly have the resolve?

If Lee is sincere, and if he genuinely wants to succeed, I would urge him to read—right now—the famous episode from ancient Chinese military history in which Sun Tzu demonstrated the essence of discipline to King Helü of Wu.

To test Sun Tzu’s abilities, King Helü ordered him to train palace maids as if they were soldiers. Sun Tzu divided 180 maids into two units and appointed as commanders two women whom the king favored most. He then issued basic commands.

Forward.
Backward.
Turn left.
Turn right.

The maids laughed and failed to obey. He repeated the commands. The same result.

At that point, Sun Tzu said:
“If orders are unclear, the fault lies with the general. But if orders are clear and not obeyed, the fault lies with the soldiers.”

He then ordered the execution of the two commanders—the king’s favorites.

The king was shocked and tried to intervene. Sun Tzu refused, saying, “During military training, discipline supersedes even the king’s command.” And then, in full view, he had the two women beheaded.

From that moment on, the remaining maids moved in perfect unison to the beat of the drum.

Discipline is not established by words. It is established the moment you strike your own side first. This principle has never failed in politics—anywhere, at any time.

If Lee Jae-myung truly believes real estate speculation is the root of national decline, and if he wants to build a tax-based reform agenda, he should not be shouting at the public.

He should begin by conducting a full audit of multiple-home ownership among the ministers, vice ministers, senior aides, and all political appointees he himself has appointed—and give them a choice: sell their properties or resign.

That is how a commander-in-chief proves conviction and resolve to the people. That is the starting line of sound politics and credible policy.

Ruling-party lawmakers who own multiple homes should face real consequences: disadvantages in nominations, removal from committee posts, loss of party positions—not rhetoric, but actual penalties.

Then the same standard should apply to prosecutors, judges, and senior officials: sell the home, or step down. Nothing should take precedence over this. If Lee did this, public perception would shift 180 degrees—regardless of whether one agrees with the tax policy itself.

People would say: “He’s serious. He means it.”

But what do we see now?

His own camp is left untouched, while the public is told: “Sell your homes. Pay more taxes.” This is not politics, not reform, not policy. It is coercive rule—the classic form of corrupt authoritarianism.

More precisely, it is public intimidation that even Chun Doo-hwan never attempted. It is deception and threat. Under such conditions, who would believe claims about “stabilizing housing prices”?

Frankly, it is laughable. But the contradiction runs deeper.

While the wealthy are told to sell homes, young couples and genuine first-time buyers—those who actually need housing—are blocked from borrowing. This is not policy. It is a collapse of logic.

If there are sellers, there must be buyers. But if buyers’ hands and feet are tied, who ends up buying?

The wealthy buy from the wealthy. Prices do not fall; they harden.

This is not a prediction. It is a formula that has already failed—repeatedly.

In short: if the government wants to pursue “tax-based reform,” the first blade should not be swung at the public.

Strike your own side first. At the same time, open paths for real demand—especially for young couples—to buy homes. If necessary, encourage them even through preferential treatment.

Without these two steps, Lee Jae-myung’s tax politics is not reform. It is performance. A show.

A political spectacle designed to deceive voters ahead of the June local elections.

That is why many now say: “There is only Lee Jae-myung in the Blue House—no president.”

The meaning is simple. It is evidence that the Lee Jae-myung administration is already failing.

#LeadershipCrisis #SelectiveReform #PoliticsOverPolicy