Presiding over Cabinet Meeting at Yongsan Presidential Office
Requests Parliamentary Cooperation for Establishment of Population Strategy Planning Department
President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held on the 2nd at the Yongsan Presidential Office Building in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 2nd, "The low birthrate and aging population issue has reached a national emergency that requires urgent attention," adding, "To resolve the national emergency of the low birthrate problem, we must establish an all-out response system as soon as possible." Having announced amendments to the Government Organization Act and the Framework Act on Low Birthrate and Aging Society the day before to establish the Population Strategy Planning Department as the control tower for addressing low birthrate and aging issues, he urged the National Assembly for active cooperation to ensure prompt legislative amendments.
On the same day, President Yoon presided over the Cabinet meeting at the Yongsan Presidential Office and said, "If we push forward low birthrate policies more strongly and all citizens unite their efforts, we can see hope that overcoming the low birthrate is not an impossible task."
Referring to the nearly 25% increase in the number of marriages in April compared to the same period last year and the reversal of the declining trend in births over the past 18 months, President Yoon called it "the most welcome news of all," emphasizing, "The idea that family is the source of happiness must be widely shared, and a culture where childbirth is celebrated not only by relatives and family but also by the nation and society must spread." At the Cabinet meeting, a commendation plan for contributors who have greatly helped overcome the low birthrate was reviewed in anticipation of the upcoming 'Population Day' on the 11th.
On the Lithium Battery Factory Fire: "Establish Scientific Safety Measures"
On this day, President Yoon first offered condolences to the victims of the traffic accident in front of City Hall the previous day and the fire at the lithium battery factory in Hwaseong City, extending his sympathies to the bereaved families. He pointed out, "As new industries in various fields rapidly grow, the risk factors at the sites have changed significantly from the past, but our firefighting technology and safety awareness have yet to catch up," and stressed, "Taking this accident as an opportunity, we must thoroughly investigate the types and causes of fires in these advanced new industries and establish more scientific safety measures." He explained that industries using various chemicals, such as the battery industry, require thorough preparation as existing methods are insufficient for firefighting.
President Yoon said, "Industrial safety cannot be maintained by regulation and punishment alone," adding, "We must not only develop firefighting technologies suited to the characteristics of chemical substances but also develop and disseminate scientific technologies that detect and prevent risks in advance, including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and sensor technologies, to protect the lives and safety of the people."
He instructed related ministries, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Ministry of Employment and Labor, and Ministry of Science and ICT, to strengthen collaboration, with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety taking the lead in thoroughly reviewing battery safety management from the ground up and establishing fundamental countermeasures.
President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held on the 2nd at the Yongsan Presidential Office Building in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
President Yoon remarked on the completion of the first half organization of the 22nd National Assembly last week, stating that the government and the National Assembly must work together to solve the numerous national challenges both internally and externally. He said, "Social polarization and conflicts between classes and generations have emerged as serious issues threatening the sustainable future of the Republic of Korea," emphasizing, "We must concentrate all the capabilities of our society to overcome these challenges." Having announced the plan to establish a Minister of Political Affairs to serve as a bridge between the National Assembly and the government the day before, he also requested active cooperation from the National Assembly for communication aimed at improving people’s livelihoods.
He continued, "The essence of politics is to narrow differences of opinion through dialogue and consensus while respecting the views of others and to make decisions based on this," warning, "If politics of conflict and confrontation repeat, we cannot overcome the challenges before us nor move toward the future." President Yoon added, "If rational dialogue and compromise disappear, all difficulties and suffering will fall upon the people," expressing hope that "this National Assembly will focus solely on the people and wisely resolve livelihood issues."
Yoon: "Proactive Global Diplomacy Broadens Diplomatic Horizons"
In his closing remarks at the Cabinet meeting, President Yoon said, "From today, the interpellation sessions begin," urging, "Prime Minister and Cabinet members should thoroughly explain to the National Assembly and the people our government's policy direction of proactive global diplomacy, a free market economy led by the private sector, and welfare for the socially vulnerable."
He emphasized, "The proactive global diplomacy our government pursues is not about domestic political calculations but about broadening diplomatic horizons so that our companies and citizens can advance more on the international stage."
He added, "Economic revival depends on corporate growth," reiterating that proactive global diplomacy is directly linked to improving people’s livelihoods, according to a written briefing by Presidential Office spokesperson Kim Su-gyeong.
Furthermore, President Yoon stated, "While our government promotes economic development based on free competition, it also aims to help those left behind in the competition to stand up by lending a hand, which is also a key principle of our governance."
The government increased the livelihood benefit for low-income households by 210,000 won for a family of four this year, which the Presidential Office explained is a significantly higher level than the total increase of 196,000 won over five years under the Moon Jae-in administration.
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