Jim Rogers and Lee in Online Dialogue: "If the 38th Parallel Opens, Korea Will Enter the World's Top 5 Powers"
Lee Jae-myung: "The Next Government's Biggest Task Is Pursuing a Peace Economy"
Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is having an online discussion with global investor Jim Rogers on the theme "The Era of Great Transformation, the Path to Becoming a Global Top 5 Power" at KT&G Sangsang Plaerit in Seongdong-gu, Seoul on the 20th. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, responded with a smile, saying "Good idea," when global investor Jim Rogers, chairman of Rogers Holdings, proposed a party at the 38th parallel. Chairman Rogers said, "If you bring the girl group 'BLACKPINK,' I will send the rock band 'The Rolling Stones' to Korea," adding, "Then we can hold a big party with Chairman Kim Jong-un and open the 38th parallel."
The two revealed this during an online dialogue held on the afternoon of the 20th at KT&G Sangsang Planet in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, under the theme "The Era of Great Transformation, the Road to Becoming a Global Top 5 Power." They exchanged views on creating growth momentum through establishing a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula and the 'post-pandemic' era.
Chairman Rogers expressed, "If the 38th parallel opens, Korea will become a country with great expectations," and added, "It will definitely enter the world's top five powers." While admitting, "I don't really know how unification will happen," he elaborated, "What I advocate is opening the Military Demarcation Line and investing money in many other areas rather than spending a lot on weapons, guns, and bullets."
He continued, "Then many companies worldwide will take interest," emphasizing, "Becoming a country bordering China with a population of 80 million can write an incredible success story."
Rogers also expressed high hopes for Korea's future, saying, "If such exchanges become possible, we even talk about living in Korea." In response, candidate Lee said, "I 100% agree with the opinion that if military tensions ease, a significant portion of military expenses can be used for welfare or social infrastructure," adding, "We will do our best to create a situation where Chairman Rogers can make large-scale investments on the Korean Peninsula. The biggest task for the next Korean government is to pursue so-called peace economy by promoting the economy through peace and peace through the economy."
On the same day, the two also exchanged views on the 'post-COVID' era. Candidate Lee said, "The Biden administration in the U.S. is making large-scale infrastructure investments," and added, "I believe this is also necessary in Korea, and we need to prepare for new changes through investments in infrastructure, science and technology, and education."
In response, Chairman Rogers cited the U.S. national debt issue and said, "I have a more optimistic outlook for Korea's future than for the U.S.," predicting, "The COVID war will soon end, and many countries will return to recovery."
He then forecasted, "Currently, Korea is performing better compared to other countries," and added, "If it continues what it has done so far, the impact will be relatively smaller compared to other countries."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
