Reform Commitment in Singapore Local Media Interview
"Will Not Waver As Long As There Is Public Support"
On Low Birthrate Issue, "Sharing Open Immigration Policy"
President Yoon Suk-yeol, having completed a state visit to the Philippines, arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines, on the afternoon of the 7th (local time) and is heading to Air Force One, his official aircraft, to travel to his next state visit destination, Singapore. [Image source=Yonhap News]
During his state visit to Singapore, President Yoon Suk-yeol stated in an interview with local media, "No power can overcome the people," emphasizing that as long as there is public support for reform, he will steadfastly pursue healthcare reform despite low approval ratings.
In a written interview with Singapore's daily newspaper The Straits Times released that day, President Yoon said regarding healthcare reform, "It is true that a minority government and low approval ratings pose obstacles to reform, but as long as there is public support for reform, I will not waver."
President Yoon stressed, "Every reform comes with difficulties, but no president, ruling party, or opposition party has power greater than the people," adding, "I believe that by trusting the people, engaging with them, and carrying out the reforms the people desire through their power, we will succeed."
He further stated, "To protect the lives of the people and the nation's growth engine, the healthcare system must be reformed," explaining, "The world's best medical services are threatened in their sustainability by disparities and concentration, which is the core reason for initiating healthcare reform."
Regarding resistance from the medical community to the reforms, he explained, "We are working on measures to increase compensation for essential medical services and to alleviate doctors' legal burdens caused by medical accidents."
On the issue of low birth rates, President Yoon said, "It is a key agenda that determines sustainable development, and there is a need for close cooperation with Singapore," expressing hope to "share and collaborate on various policies such as expanding parental leave and adopting open immigration policies."
He also expressed expectations for close cooperation between the two countries in information sharing to counter illegal digital content such as deepfakes and the spread of drug abuse.
President Yoon emphasized, "The spread of online illegal content and drugs is causing serious social problems in both countries," adding, "Since South Korea and Singapore share the rule of law, I hope that alongside strict law enforcement, a close information-sharing and cooperation system between the relevant authorities of both countries will be established."
President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee, having completed their state visit to the Philippines, are boarding Air Force One at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila on the afternoon of the 7th (local time) to head to their next state visit destination, Singapore, while greeting. [Image source=Yonhap News]
President Yoon identified the most anticipated achievement in elevating South Korea-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) relations to the highest level of cooperation, the 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,' as expanded collaboration in digital transformation and eco-friendly sectors that will lead humanity's sustainable future development.
He emphasized, "ASEAN is one of the fastest-growing digital markets in the world," adding, "Digital transformation will be an important future growth engine for the Indo-Pacific region."
Highlighting the importance of the 'Korea-ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship' project, he said, "It will contribute to ASEAN leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution era, and South Korea will become a key partner supporting ASEAN's digital transformation."
He also clearly expressed his intention to strengthen strategic cooperation in political and security fields through the ASEAN Summit. President Yoon stated, "We will activate communication between defense authorities of ASEAN countries, actively participate in joint exercises conducted in the ASEAN region, and deepen defense industry cooperation."
He added, "I highly appreciate ASEAN's unified voice in urging North Korea to halt its illegal nuclear and missile development in violation of United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions and to promptly return to dialogue."
Regarding regional free trade agreements (FTAs), he explained, "South Korea and ASEAN must develop beyond mere trade partners to become economic security partners jointly responding to the rapidly changing trade environment," adding, "The Korea-ASEAN FTA can serve as a core platform for this."
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