"Achieving Four Major Reforms in Pension, Medical Care, Education, and Labor"
Rejecting Medical School Expansion Mediation Proposal... "Cannot Stop"
Photos with the People Line the Office
President Yoon Suk-yeol is holding a 'National Briefing and Press Conference' on the morning of the 29th at the briefing room of the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 29th, "I will not take the easy path," and promised, "I will definitely achieve the four major reforms I pledged to the people." Wearing a sky-blue tie, which he often dons at major events such as the inauguration ceremony and Liberation Day celebrations, President Yoon read from a script spanning 100 pages during his opening remarks, thoroughly explaining the future direction of national governance.
On the same morning, President Yoon held a national briefing and press conference at the Yongsan Presidential Office, saying, "The four major reforms in pensions, healthcare, education, and labor are urgent tasks critical to the survival and future of the Republic of Korea." The briefing, which began at 10 a.m., lasted about 40 minutes for the opening remarks alone and concluded only after noon following a Q&A session with reporters on various topics.
At the first national briefing held on June 3, President Yoon made a surprise announcement about the potential for oil and gas deposits along the East Coast before leaving. Subsequently, Minister Ahn Deok-geun of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy responded to reporters' questions. However, at the second national briefing, President Yoon personally answered reporters' questions one by one. The format was similar to the press conference held on May 9 for the second anniversary of his inauguration, with questions covering economic, political, diplomatic, security, and social issues.
Yoon: "Reforms Inevitably Invite Resistance"
In particular, President Yoon strongly indicated his determination not to give up despite acknowledging that the four major reforms would face resistance from various sectors. He warned, "Reforms inevitably provoke resistance," and predicted, "The reform process will be a difficult journey."
While explaining the direction of pension reform, he repeatedly mentioned the word "youth," emphasizing that the reforms are for future generations. President Yoon stated, "We must fundamentally reform the current pension system where the elderly are poor and the youth cannot trust it," and added, "We will pursue reforms that the younger generation, who pay the longest and most insurance premiums but receive pensions the latest, can accept." The plan is to differentiate the rate of insurance premium increases between the younger and middle-aged generations to enhance intergenerational equity and to legally guarantee the state’s commitment to paying national pensions, thereby alleviating the younger generation’s distrust regarding fund depletion.
President Yoon said, "Only then can we instill confidence in the youth that 'we will also receive benefits,'" and added, "We will also expand credits to ensure there are no gaps in pension enrollment periods due to childbirth and military service." In terms of alleviating elderly poverty, he promised to raise the basic pension to a target of 400,000 won per month during his term.
President Yoon Suk-yeol is answering questions from the press during the national briefing and press conference held at the briefing room of the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul, on the morning of the 29th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Expressing regret over the medical community’s response during the healthcare reform process, President Yoon reiterated his unwavering commitment to pushing forward with reforms for the public. He stated, "Now that the increase in medical school admissions has been completed, we will focus our policy efforts on revitalizing regional and essential medical services, which are the core of the reforms." He also used expressions such as "The government will definitely carry out healthcare reforms together with dedicated medical staff" and "We cannot stop," signaling his intention to complete the reforms despite opposition from the medical community.
Regarding the medical community’s opposition to the increase in medical school admissions, President Yoon explained, "They have never provided a reasonable estimate of how many additional personnel are needed, even when asked," and added, "The government has been waiting and waiting, but we are investing financially to strengthen regional and essential medical services and improving systems such as judicial risk."
"No Issues Between the Party and Government... Diverse Opinions Are Democracy"
Regarding recent rumors of conflict with Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, President Yoon said, "There is absolutely no problem between the party and the government." When asked if communication with Leader Han was going well, President Yoon responded, "Isn't it democracy that various opinions come out regarding current issues?" He added, "We are communicating smoothly through various channels, and I understand that high-level party-government meetings, which were not well held in the past, are now held regularly every weekend."
Regarding the possibility of a bilateral meeting with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, President Yoon maintained his previous stance that communication between the ruling and opposition parties and the normalization of the National Assembly should come first. This is interpreted as meaning that it is practically difficult to hold a summit meeting soon amid ongoing confrontations due to repeated impeachment motions and special prosecutor bills. President Yoon said, "If a summit meeting could quickly resolve problems, why wouldn't we do it ten times over?" and added, "First, the ruling and opposition parties need to communicate more smoothly, and then the National Assembly should carry out its fundamental duties."
On the 29th, when President Yoon Suk-yeol's national briefing was held, photo frames capturing President Yoon's national activities were placed in the presidential office space at Yongsan, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
As President Yoon’s opening remarks at the national briefing were broadcast live, photos displayed in his office also drew attention. Several framed photos are placed in President Yoon’s working space, including pictures of him hiking with his late father, Professor Yoon Ki-jung, as well as multiple photos of President Yoon with the public. These include a photo taken with public officials at the Government Sejong Convention Center in February last year, a photo visiting Geoje Gohyeon Market during summer vacation in August last year, and a photo greeting restaurant merchants at Cheonggyecheon on May 10 this year to mark the second anniversary of his inauguration?photos that hold special meaning for President Yoon.
The Presidential Office explained, "President Yoon feels deep gratitude every time he is alongside the people, such as at local markets," and added, "He keeps reflecting daily on how to repay the people and has placed these photos in his office as a commitment to work harder together with the people."
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