He also told his father, who had once served as a county councilor, to avoid being lobbied by any of his friends.
"I thanked him for doing that for me a few days before he passed away," he said. "I don't mind all the criticism that resulted because it's the nation I care about."
If a nation's leader doesn't have the guts to stand up for his or her beliefs, Lee said, how do the people expect the person to stand up for the country?
Lee also highlighted the importance of charisma and popularity, but warned of its danger.
"Popularity is a double-edged sword," Lee said. "The public can extol you to the skies, but can also deprive you of your power if you abuse their trust and support."
A good leader must exercise humility and avoid excessive pride and a good leader should not take advantage of the media to prop up his or her personal popularity, he said.
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