President Lee Jae-myung visited the National Intelligence Service on November 28, urging it to faithfully carry out its original duties and expressing regret over its political misuse in past administrations. This marked his first visit to a government agency since taking office in June. He highlighted the agency's profound impact on national governance.
In Seoul on November 28, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the National Intelligence Service's adherence to its core role during his first visit since taking office. According to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, this was also his initial visit to a government agency for a policy briefing.
President Lee stated, "It is regrettable that the vast majority of you are doing your best for the nation and our people, yet exceptional situations of political misuse, including fabricated espionage cases, have led to criticism of all employees." He added, "I hope such things will never happen again." Explaining his choice of the NIS as the first agency, he said, "I believe that intelligence operations have a profound impact on the nation's governance," and urged, "Continue to faithfully carry out your entrusted roles so that the NIS becomes a respected institution."
Earlier that day, former NIS chief Cho Tae-yong, under arrest, was indicted by a special counsel team for alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid in December of the previous year. Lee stressed the agency's potential for significant achievements when properly operated, calling for intensified crackdowns on domestic drug trafficking networks.
During the briefing, NIS Director Lee Jong-seok noted that half of the agency's 16 former chiefs, including Cho, had been imprisoned on charges from illegal wiretapping and online opinion manipulation to martial law involvement. He pledged to restore the agency's integrity and ensure it serves the public interest faithfully. As part of the visit, President Lee toured the NIS National Space Security Center, becoming the first sitting president to do so.