Yoon: "Immediate Nuclear Strike if North Korea Attacks... Framework for Four Major Reforms to Be Completed by Next Administration"

Determination to Pursue Reform Expressed in Interview with US Current Affairs Weekly

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 8th regarding the security situation, "If North Korea launches a nuclear attack, an immediate nuclear strike will be carried out based on the South Korea-U.S. nuclear-based security alliance."

The Presidential Office announced on the 8th that the American current affairs weekly magazine Newsweek featured an exclusive interview article with President Yoon Seok-yeol as the cover story, along with a cover photo, in its latest issue published on the same day (November 15). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In an interview with the American news weekly Newsweek published that day, President Yoon said, "If North Korean leader Kim Jong-un decides to carry out a nuclear attack on South Korea, it would be a very irrational act."

During the interview held on the 16th of last month at the Yongsan Presidential Office, President Yoon expressed his belief in liberal democracy. He emphasized, "Looking back at history, the cause of the liberal democratic camp was never to invade anyone," and added, "I have a firm belief that the liberal democratic camp will prevail, and this belief is akin to a religious faith."

In particular, President Yoon expressed a strong determination to steadily push forward the four major reforms in healthcare, pensions, labor, and education, even amid the rapidly evolving diplomatic and security situation.

President Yoon mentioned, "The four major reforms have now reached the final stage where if we don't do them now, they cannot be done later," and said, "These are tasks that can no longer be postponed." He also stated, "Many administrations have refrained from implementing these reforms because they feared it would be disadvantageous in elections and could lead to losing votes," adding, "Even if we cannot complete them all within this term, we can establish a solid framework so that the next administration can finish them."

The Presidential Office announced on the 8th that the American current affairs weekly magazine Newsweek featured an exclusive interview article with President Yoon Seok-yeol as the cover story, along with a cover photo, in its latest issue published on November 15. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Regarding the low birthrate issue and gender conflict, he said, "We need to create an environment where getting married and having children does not hinder promotion or career advancement at work in order to address both issues simultaneously."