[President Yoon's Inauguration] 'Freedom' Mentioned 35 Times Most... Focus on Restoring Market Economy

Presenting 'Freedom' as a Key to Domestic and International Crisis Resolution
Mentioning People 15 Times and Democracy 8 Times

President Yoon Suk-yeol is taking the oath of office at the inauguration ceremony of the 20th president held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 10th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporters Kum Boryeong and Boo Aeri] The major direction of national governance shown by President Yoon Seok-yeol in his inauguration speech on the 10th was confirmed with the keyword 'freedom.' As President Yoon has emphasized 'liberal democracy' and 'free market economy,' it is expected that he will respect individual will and focus on restoring the market economy.

Presenting 'Freedom' as the Basic Value of National Governance

Analysis of President Yoon's inauguration speech on that day showed that the most frequently mentioned word was 'freedom,' cited a total of 35 times. President Yoon opened his remarks by addressing "citizens of the world who love freedom." He continued, "I stand here today with the historic mission to rebuild this country as a nation where the people are the true owners, based on liberal democracy and a market economy system, and to make it a country that fulfills its responsibilities and roles in the international community."

Freedom was also presented as a way to resolve difficult domestic and international crises such as COVID-19 and the Ukraine-Russia situation. President Yoon emphasized, "I believe it is very important that we share universal values to overcome difficulties. That is freedom."

In particular, he expressed the view that national prosperity, wealth, and economic growth are possible through the expansion of freedom. This signals a different approach from the past five years under the Moon Jae-in administration, which excessively intervened in the market and led the economy through government initiatives. Ultimately, it is interpreted as an intention to restore the collapsed market economy. This aligns with the national agenda announced by the Presidential Transition Committee, which declared the creation of a "dynamic economy led by the private sector and supported by the government." President Yoon explained, "Looking back at human history, places where free political rights and free markets have thrived have always blossomed with prosperity and wealth."

He advocated the importance of free citizens and promised to ensure a certain level of economic foundation, fair access to education, and cultural opportunities. President Yoon said, "All members of our society must become free citizens. If anyone's freedom is violated or if they do not meet the conditions necessary to become a free citizen, all free citizens must unite in solidarity to help them."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering his inaugural address at the 20th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 10th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

Emphasis on Solidarity with the International Community... Focus on North Korea's Denuclearization

In President Yoon's inauguration speech, 'peace' was mentioned 12 times and 'international' 9 times, indicating a high emphasis. This suggests that the Yoon administration's future North Korea policy will focus on solidarity with the international community and peace through denuclearization.

From the introduction of his speech, President Yoon stated his intention to make the country one that fulfills its responsibilities and roles in the international community, and he emphasized this again at the conclusion. He said that peace is guaranteed through solidarity with the international community that respects the values of freedom and human rights.

He also revealed a blueprint to prepare plans to cooperate with the international community to improve North Korea's economy if North Korea halts nuclear development and transitions to practical denuclearization. Regarding peace, he raised his voice that we must pursue 'sustainable peace,' not just temporary avoidance of war. President Yoon said, "Regarding North Korea's nuclear development, which threatens peace not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in Asia and the world, we will keep the door open for dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution."

Focus on 'People' and 'Innovation' as well

The word 'people' was mentioned a total of 15 times in the inauguration speech, making it one of the most frequently used words after 'freedom.' It was mentioned more times than 'democracy' (8 times). This aligns with President Yoon's usual remarks about "building a country of the people." As a way to become a 'science and technology powerhouse' for growth, he mentioned 'innovation' four times. This was also connected to the most important value of 'freedom.' President Yoon said, "Science, technology, and innovation will protect our liberal democracy, expand our freedom, and sustain our dignified lives."