On the 1st, Speaker of the National Assembly Kim Jin-pyo stated, "I will start 2024 with a firm resolution of haehyeon-gyeongjang (解弦更張)," adding, "Together with the people, we will overcome the crisis and make this year a great leap forward for the Republic of Korea."
In his New Year's address, Speaker Kim revealed haehyeon-gyeongjang, meaning "to change the strings of a geomungo," as his resolution for the new year, expressing his intention to tighten what has loosened and boldly pursue reform. He drew attention by mentioning "courage" while listing the crises we face. Kim said, "Last year, the global economic recession severely impacted the livelihood economy of the Republic of Korea," and added, "This year, domestic and international conditions remain challenging. Although we cannot be optimistic about the recovery of the people's livelihood and the national economy, it is precisely at times like this that courage is needed to take the first step of the new year with new hope."
He stated, "In times of crisis, the firm will of the people to create new hope has been the strength of the Republic of Korea," and said, "In 2024 as well, let us once again demonstrate Korea's resilience by turning crises into opportunities."
Speaker of the National Assembly Kim Jin-pyo is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 75th Constitution Day celebration held at the Rotunda Hall of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 17th. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Speaker Kim said, "In 2024, the Republic of Korea stands at a critical crossroads," listing challenges such as the global competition for technological supremacy, unstable international affairs, peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, and the demographic cliff crisis. He continued, "A moment of life-or-death is approaching that will determine whether Korea will leap forward or regress in all areas including politics, economy, diplomacy, and security."
He emphasized, "Above all, politics must change," and stated, "The restoration of politics where dialogue and compromise work is an urgent task. I hope that the people will end the era of confrontation and discord with their own hands and open an era of national unity."
Below is the full text of Speaker Kim’s New Year's address.
Dear respected citizens,
The hopeful new year has dawned. The year Gapjin is the year of the Blue Dragon, symbolizing hope and achievement. I wish happiness and peace to fill every household of the people in the new year.
Last year, the global economic recession severely impacted the livelihood economy of the Republic of Korea. This year, domestic and international conditions remain challenging. We cannot be optimistic about the recovery of the people's livelihood and the national economy, but it is precisely at times like this that courage is needed to take the first step of the new year with new hope.
The path Korea has walked is a history of accumulating resilience to overcome crises. In times of crisis, the firm will of the people to create new hope has been the strength of the Republic of Korea. In 2024 as well, let us once again demonstrate Korea's resilience by turning crises into opportunities.
In 2024, the Republic of Korea stands at a critical crossroads. We must survive the intensifying global competition for technological supremacy. We must protect peace and security on the Korean Peninsula amid increasingly unstable international affairs. We must overcome the crisis of the demographic cliff, which is reaching unprecedented levels, with extraordinary measures. A moment of life-or-death is approaching that will determine whether Korea will leap forward or regress in all areas including politics, economy, diplomacy, and security.
Above all, politics must change. This year, a general election for the National Assembly will be held for the first time in four years. The restoration of politics where dialogue and compromise work is an urgent task. I hope that the people will end the era of confrontation and discord with their own hands and open an era of national unity.
I will start 2024 with a firm resolution of haehyeon-gyeongjang (解弦更張). I will devote my utmost efforts to bring about bold changes and new hope in Korean society. Together with the people, we will overcome the crisis and make this year a great leap forward for the Republic of Korea.
In the new year of Gapjin, I pray that all our people will achieve what they wish for. Dear citizens, Happy New Year.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
