[President Yoon's Press Conference] "Mobilizing All National Capabilities to Overcome Low Birthrate"... Kim Geon-hee and Chae Sang-byeong Reject Special Prosecutor Law

2nd Anniversary Inauguration 'National Report and Press Conference'
New 'Low Birth Response Planning Department' Established to Address Low Birthrate and Aging Population

President Yoon Suk-yeol is holding the '2nd Year National Report and Press Conference of the Yoon Suk-yeol Administration' on the morning of the 9th at the briefing room of the Yongsan Presidential Office Building in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 9th, "First, to overcome the national emergency of low birth rates, we will mobilize all national capabilities." He announced the establishment of a provisional planning ministry called the ‘Low Birth Response Planning Department,’ which will formulate policies encompassing education, labor, and welfare, aiming to elevate the issue beyond simple welfare policies to become a national agenda.

However, President Yoon expressed opposition to the Kim Geon-hee special investigation law actively promoted by the opposition party, calling it "a political offensive and political act that does not align with the essence or purpose of special investigations." Regarding the Chae Sang-byeong special investigation law, he maintained his existing stance that it is appropriate to decide on a special investigation after observing the ongoing investigation and judicial procedures.

On the same day, at the ‘National Report and Press Conference’ held at the Yongsan Presidential Office to mark his second anniversary in office, President Yoon said, "Starting with myself and the government, we will change what needs to be changed and actively increase communication and cooperation with the National Assembly." This was his first press conference in one year and nine months since the 100-day press conference in August 2022. He added, "I will humbly take to heart the criticisms and admonitions directed at me and the government," and "Over the next three years, I will delve deeper into the lives of the people."

Beginning with the remark, "The difficulties of people’s livelihoods are not easily resolved, and my heart is heavy and apologetic," President Yoon reflected on the past two years during his opening remarks at the office, saying, "When I hear the heartbreaking complaints of the people I meet in the field, my heart aches and I feel a great sense of responsibility," and "I have run tirelessly, crying and laughing together with the people."

President Yoon evaluated that through diplomacy as a global pivotal state, South Korea’s diplomatic horizon has greatly expanded. He explained that through active sales diplomacy, including over 150 summit meetings, efforts were made to expand the playground for Korean companies from a 50 million market to an 8 billion market.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is answering questions from the press at the 'Yoon Suk-yeol Government 2nd Year National Report and Press Conference' held on the morning of the 9th at the briefing room of the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

To resolve the low birth rate, a new ministry will be established. President Yoon said, "We will establish a provisional planning ministry called the ‘Low Birth Response Planning Department’ to prepare for low birth rates and aging," adding, "The minister of the Low Birth Response Planning Department will serve as the Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs to formulate policies encompassing education, labor, and welfare, elevating the issue beyond simple welfare policies to become a national agenda." He requested active cooperation from the National Assembly to amend the Government Organization Act for the establishment of the ‘Low Birth Response Planning Department.’

He urged cooperation from the National Assembly, emphasizing that the government’s ability to work better for people’s livelihoods requires their collaboration. President Yoon said, "We will increase communication with both ruling and opposition parties and strengthen cooperation in the field of people’s livelihoods," and stressed, "I believe the public sentiment is to stop political strife and for the government and both ruling and opposition parties to work together for people’s livelihoods." He noted that urgent bills addressing national issues such as expanding the tax exemption limit for Individual Savings Accounts (ISA) through the ‘Restriction of Special Taxation Act,’ abolishing the financial investment income tax through the ‘Income Tax Act,’ and introducing a national qualification system for childcare providers through the ‘Childcare Support Act’ require the National Assembly’s cooperation.

During the subsequent Q&A session, President Yoon also expressed his position on the Kim Geon-hee special investigation law actively promoted by the opposition party. Regarding the allegations of receiving luxury handbags involving his wife, Kim Geon-hee, President Yoon said, "I apologize for causing concern to the public due to my wife’s unwise conduct." However, he opposed the special investigation demanded by the opposition concerning Mrs. Kim, stating, "Special investigations are conducted when there are suspicions of leniency or negligence in investigations by institutions such as the prosecution, police, or the High-ranking Officials’ Crime Investigation Unit (HOCI)." President Yoon remarked, "To continue to demand another special investigation after all that has been done is a political offensive and political act that does not align with the essence or purpose of special investigations," and emphasized, "I still believe this is not about uncovering the truth."

When asked about the Chae Sang-byeong special investigation law, President Yoon expressed condolences, saying, "It is a sad and heartbreaking matter as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces that a young marine with a bright future died in the line of duty during a civilian support operation." He added, "To prevent recurrence of such incidents, restore the honor of the deceased, and clarify responsibility, a thorough investigation must be conducted." However, President Yoon said, "Considering the purpose of special investigations, I think it is more appropriate to observe the ongoing investigation and judicial procedures and trust the mindset and attitude of those involved in the investigation for now."