Yoon: "Reviving Livelihoods and Economy to Open a New Era of the Middle Class"

Yoon Attends National Breakfast Prayer Meeting After 2 Years
"Four Major Reforms Have Been Delayed... Complete Them Quickly"
"Medical Reform to Finalize Key Tasks by Year-End"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering a greeting at the 56th National Breakfast Prayer Meeting held at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News

President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized on the 22nd, "In the latter half of my term, we must overcome polarization so that all citizens can have hope for the future and actively participate in national development," adding, "We will definitely revive people’s livelihoods and economic vitality to open a new era of the middle class."

President Yoon made these remarks while attending the '56th National Breakfast Prayer Meeting of the Republic of Korea' held at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, in the morning, stating, "As we start the second half of the administration, I said that we will make proactive efforts to overcome polarization."

He also said he would accelerate the four major structural reforms.

President Yoon explained, "The four major structural reforms promoted by the government are intended to give hope and courage so that all citizens, without anyone being left behind or giving up, can participate in national development," adding, "In fact, it is already quite late. These are tasks that must be completed quickly without further delay for social progress and sustainability."

He continued, "We will complete the core tasks of medical reform by the end of the year and achieve the final goal of establishing a regionally comprehensive medical system within my term," and said, "Education reform will be carefully promoted to stabilize the integration of kindergartens and daycare centers and the Neulbom School, fostering creative future talents."

Furthermore, he said, "We will speed up labor reform to expand the choices of companies and workers and provide stronger protection for vulnerable workers," adding, "I will make sure that pension reform, which is directly related to the livelihoods of the current and future generations, is properly implemented until the end."

President Yoon emphasized, "However, these reforms are by no means easy," and said, "I believe it is our mission to complete these reforms and protect the future of the nation."

President Yoon also shared his impressions after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, and the Group of Twenty (G20) summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during a recent 5-night, 8-day trip.

He said, "Whether advanced or developing countries, all the leaders were deeply concerned about their own difficult economic situations," adding, "Inclusive growth, which was repeatedly mentioned in official meetings, was overshadowed by worries about the harsh political and economic repercussions caused by the global security crisis."

He also pointed out, "As the war in Ukraine intensifies, the energy, food, and supply chain crises triggered by the war are pushing the economies of countries around the world into greater hardship," and said, "Moreover, with the change of the U.S. administration, we face the risk of a complex equation that includes uncertainties in global security and economic order."

President Yoon stated, "Every choice and response we make now is in a serious strategic environment that determines national interests and the safety of our people," and said, "As I have done so far, I will prioritize national interests and devote all efforts to overcoming the current global complex crisis."

The National Breakfast Prayer Meeting, which began in 1966, is a gathering of ecumenical Christian believers who pledge harmony and hope. President Yoon attended for the second time since his inauguration, following December 2022.

Attendees at the National Breakfast Prayer Meeting included Kim Jang-hwan, Chairman of Far East Broadcasting Company; Jang Jong-hyun, President of the Korea Christian Federation; Kim Jong-hyuk, General Assembly President of the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Hapdong); Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party; Yoon Sang-hyun, Chairman of the People Power Party National Breakfast Prayer Meeting; and Song Ki-heon, Chairman of the Democratic Party National Breakfast Prayer Meeting.