Yoon: "If Industrial Sites Are Not Normalized, There Is No Right to Collect Taxes"

Presidential Office Releases Additional Details of 'Dialogue with Public Officials'
Criticism of Dual Labor Market Structure and Employment Heredity

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol was later revealed to have reiterated his conviction on labor reform, stating, "If I cannot normalize industrial sites rife with violence, threats, and extortion, I believe I do not deserve to receive taxes from the people."

On the 7th, during a meeting with about 150 officials from 32 ministries in Sejong, President Yoon said, "If you compromise with vested interests, nothing can be changed," according to a press release from the presidential office on the 12th. The conversation between President Yoon and the officials was additionally released that day in the form of a 'YouTube Shorts' video.

He emphasized the courage to regulate and dismantle unfair cartels and rent-seeking behaviors among public officials. Regarding this, President Yoon urged, "Please respond well to the unjust vested interest systems that hinder the country's development."

Regarding the dual structure of the labor market, he stated, "A society where wages differ by several times even among the same workers is not a normal society," emphasizing a 'more fair and just system.'

Concerning employment inheritance in some industrial sites, he said, "If the government neglects illegal acts such as union executives' children being hired and recruitment trading through remaining positions, private managers will be unable to do anything," and questioned, "If illegalities rooted in violence and threats at industrial sites are left unchecked, is that a government or a nation?"

He also mentioned the achievements of his diplomatic visits, stating, "Companies are ultimately a collective of national power." President Yoon said, "Our country was able to receive recognition overseas because of its global competitiveness in industries such as semiconductors, shipbuilding, and automobiles," adding, "Companies are ultimately a collective of national power."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the relationship between public officials and companies, he said, "Public officials need to be able to see companies' profit and loss calculations to decide how to allocate finances," and added, "If you keep businesspeople at a distance, it will be difficult to adapt to the rapidly changing industrial environment."

On drug enforcement, he stated, "Because people more severe than organized crime groups are involved in drug distribution, capturing drug offenders is difficult without a spirit of sacrifice," urging support for the Budget Office of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Organization Bureau of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

Meanwhile, when a public official from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety requested attendance at a 'Low Salt Usage Contest,' President Yoon said, "I don't particularly like salty food, but I think eating any food deliciously helps health," which reportedly caused laughter in the venue, according to the presidential office.