"Open the Door to 'Fair Growth' That Shares Opportunities and Outcomes of Growth"
"Alleviate Polarization and Inequality, Moving Toward a Society Where Everyone Prospers Together"
"Acknowledge and Embrace Small Differences for a Fresh Start"
Mentions Both Investment in Advanced Technology and Accelerating the Transition to Renewable Energy
Emphasizes Pragmatism and National Interest in Diplomacy... "Diplomacy Has No Color"
On June 26, President Lee Jaemyung delivered his first policy speech to the National Assembly regarding the supplementary budget since taking office. He outlined the new administration's policy direction, stating, "We must open the door to 'fair growth,' which creates new engines of growth and shares opportunities and outcomes, in order to alleviate polarization and inequality, and move toward a society where everyone prospers together." By emphasizing both 'growth' and 'fairness,' he reiterated his intention to blend concepts championed by both conservatives and progressives, making clear that he would not lean to one side.
In his policy speech, President Lee mentioned 'economy' 24 times, 'growth' 12 times, 'peace' 5 times, 'fairness' 5 times, and 'pragmatism' 3 times. He stated, "I promised to build a nation where the people are the true owners, a country that grows vigorously once again, a culture where everyone prospers together, and a safe and peaceful nation." He continued, "Restoring the collapsed economy and reviving the livelihoods of the people are the most urgent tasks we must address right now." He added, "If low growth persists as it does these days, the door of opportunity narrows, and we fall into a vicious cycle of intensified competition and conflict."
President Lee also shared his views on normalizing the capital market and on fairness. He said, "If we restore transparency and fairness in the capital market, we can revive the economy and achieve a virtuous cycle where businesses grow and develop properly, opening the era of KOSPI 5000 that all our people hope for." Regarding fairness, he emphasized, "Building a new nation, a true Republic of Korea, is not something the president or a small group can accomplish alone. We must create a rational society where everyone applauds legitimate success achieved through fair effort."
He continued, "We must move toward a rational and reasonable society where everyone observes order on the foundation of fairness, not a country run by vested interests, privileges, queue-jumping, or expediency." He added, "The process of transforming into a new society involves pain, but we must clear away the debris to sow the seeds." He also said, "Given the great resilience of our people, who have overcome countless national crises with unity, I am confident that we can overcome any difficulty." President Lee further stated, "If we acknowledge and embrace small differences, we can make a fresh start. Although it has been a short period, many things have already been restored and normalized. Now, let us take another step forward."
Regarding industrial development, President Lee mentioned both investment in advanced industries and the transition to renewable energy. He said, "We must make large-scale investments in advanced technology industries such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, and swiftly complete an energy transition centered on renewable energy to respond to the climate crisis and RE100." He added, "We must also focus on innovation in the bio industry and manufacturing, as well as the development of the cultural industry, to make Korea a global leader."
In the areas of diplomacy and national security, President Lee emphasized national interest and pragmatism. He stated that diplomacy has no color, saying, "The only criterion in diplomacy should be whether it serves the national interest, not whether it is progressive or conservative." He continued, "We must wisely respond to changes in the international order, including trade and supply chain issues, through pragmatic, national interest?centered diplomacy."
President Lee also stated, "Securing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is of utmost importance," adding, "Peace is food and economy. Peace leads economic growth, and the economy, in turn, reinforces peace, creating a virtuous cycle and ensuring a nation where people's daily lives remain stable."
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