Over the past several weeks, however, he shockingly has aimed that influence at President Lee Jae-myung – the leader his commentary once helped elect. Rhyu pressed further on July 21, saying that the informal bloc of Lee loyalists known as “New Lee Jae-myung” answers not to junior lawmakers but to the president himself. While accusing Lee of betraying his loyal supporters in the DP, Rhyu’s most detailed accusation concerns prosecutorial reform. Using his role as a liberal thought leader, Rhyu was an active figure in the rise of Lee Jae-myung. Rhyu was a fixture on debate programs and YouTube broadcasts that helped consolidate liberal support behind Lee’s candidacy – and Rhyu has said so himself.