By UN Journal Lee Jon-young

President Lee Jae-myung met with Professor Michael Sandel of Harvard University, author of “"Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?" in his office on September 18.

President Lee, who had previously engaged in a video discussion with Professor Sandel on ‘Justice and Fairness’ during his 2021 presidential campaign, met with him again after about four years to exchange views on ‘Democracy and Peaceful Coexistence’.

President Lee emphasized that Professor Sandel's concepts of a just society and peace dividends hold particular significance for the Korean people, noting that the Light Revolution serves as a model for building a just and democratic community in real society.

He added that since profit dividends are a secular concept, it is particularly important for someone like the professor to highlight that democracy, justice, and peace are the real dividends.

Professor Sandel expressed that democracy would grow further if peace were established on the Korean Peninsula and polarization resolved. He particularly stressed that recognizing the dignity of labor is crucial to addressing the polarization between workers and elites.

In response, President Lee emphasized that possessing extensive knowledge does not inherently warrant greater respect, stating that people are inherently precious.

He also questioned the meaning of high status, wealth, or power if one fails to appreciate the beauty of an autumn sky or respect fellow human beings.

The two then exchanged views on the Korea-U.S. summit meeting. Professor Sandel concluded the meeting by presenting President Lee with two books containing his handwritten messages.

In Professor Sandel's book “Democracy You Don't Know,” the message “I wish for the continuation and maturation of democracy” was written alongside his signature. In another book, “The Illusion of Fairness,” the words “I hope you pursue the politics of the common good in difficult times” were inscribed.

President Lee expressed his gratitude to Professor Sandel and urged him to continue sharing his insights and wisdom with the world through his writings and lectures.