How Was Big Data Analyzed for the New Year? ... A Preview of Im In-nyeon Through 'New Year's Addresses'

'Uri', Economy, Corona, Support, and People Flood 46 New Year's Messages

Government, Metropolitan Cities, and Business Circles: Big Data Analysis of 2022 New Year's Messages

Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Office. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Gwiyeol] Gyeongbuk Province conducted big data analysis by collecting 46 New Year's addresses announced by the President, mayors and governors, economic ministries, and the business community.

The most frequently mentioned words in the New Year's addresses were ‘uri’ (we) 300 times 11.1%, ‘gyeongje’ (economy) 193 times 7.1%, ‘corona’ 181 times 6.7%, ‘gukmin’ (people) 155 times 5.7%, and ‘jiwon’ (support) 154 times 5.7%.

Other frequently mentioned words included ‘gieop’ (enterprise) 150 times, ‘hyeoksin’ (innovation) 143 times, ‘saehae’ (New Year) 142 times, ‘mirae’ (future) 140 times, and ‘saneop’ (industry) 138 times.

Compared to last year's New Year's address analysis, mentions of words related to COVID-19 decreased, while the use of future-oriented words related to economic agents such as enterprise, innovation, future, and industry increased.

This is interpreted as emphasizing preparation for the post-COVID era due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 but influenced by with-COVID policies and vaccination.

The President's New Year's address most frequently mentioned ‘jeongbu’ (government) 28 times, ‘uri’ (we) 24 times, ‘gukmin’ (people) 23 times, ‘segye’ (world) 19 times, and ‘gyeongje’ (economy) 14 times. Words such as ‘gukga’ (nation) 13 times, ‘wigi’ (crisis) 11 times, ‘pyeonghwa’ (peace) 11 times, and ‘hoebok’ (recovery) 8 times were also frequently mentioned.

‘Pyeonghwa’ (peace) newly entered the ranking. This appears to reflect the government's will regarding a declaration of the end of the war or peace agreements during the term.

Fifteen central ministries including the Prime Minister mentioned ‘gukmin’ (people) 117 times, ‘uri’ (we) 106 times, ‘gyeongje’ (economy) 96 times, ‘jiwon’ (support) 85 times, ‘corona’ 73 times, ‘saneop’ (industry) 65 times, ‘wigi’ (crisis) 62 times, ‘ganghwa’ (strengthening) 53 times, ‘hyeoksin’ (innovation) 53 times, and ‘hwakdae’ (expansion) 51 times.

The frequent mention of words like ‘corona wigi’ (corona crisis) and ‘jiwon ganghwa hwakdae’ (support strengthening and expansion) is interpreted as emphasizing the state's responsibility for protection and support in response to COVID-19.

Mayors and governors mentioned ‘simin’ (citizens), ‘corona’, ‘domin’ (provincial residents), ‘saehae’ (New Year), and ‘saneop’ (industry).

In the case of the Governor of Gyeongbuk Province, words like ‘daejeonhwan’ (great transformation), ‘minsaeng’ (people’s livelihood), and ‘mirae’ (future) ranked high. Words not appearing in other New Year's addresses such as ‘horangi’ (tiger) and ‘energy’ also came to mind.

This year as well, Governor Lee Cheol-woo’s intention to prioritize caring for people’s livelihood and the economy was evident. It also appears to reflect the provincial government philosophy emphasizing the need to prepare for a great transformation for the future of Gyeongbuk.

Among the top 10 domestic groups, excluding LG and GS who did not publicly release New Year's addresses externally, eight groups emphasized ‘uri’ (we), ‘saeop’ (business), ‘geurup’ (group), ‘mirae’ (future), and ‘hyeoksin’ (innovation).

The five economic organizations, like the business community, commonly emphasized innovation and growth aligned with the changing future, such as ‘hyeoksin’ (innovation), ‘seongjang’ (growth), and ‘byeonhwa’ (change).

Words like ‘chinwhangyeong’ (eco-friendly) newly appeared in the rankings this year. This is analyzed as reflecting the recognition that active responses to environment and social responsibility are necessary.

The Planning and Coordination Office of Gyeongbuk Province said, “Through the New Year's addresses, we can understand the current situation and grasp the flow of the times,” and added, “We will seek the direction Gyeongbuk Province should take through the meanings and philosophies contained therein.”