"Multi-layered Crisis and Civilizational Transformation Threaten Our Survival"
"All Possible Measures to Stabilize Livelihoods and Ease Living Costs"... Preparing for the 'KOSPI 5000 Era'
Expresses Determination to Stabilize the Real Estate Market and Overcome the Capital Region's One-Pole System
Mentions Protection for Vulnerable Groups and Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula
On July 3, during his opening remarks at a press conference marking one month since his inauguration, President Lee Jaemyung stated at the State Guest House of the Blue House, "Domestically, we are threatened by a multi-layered, multifaceted crisis, while externally, a major civilizational transformation is threatening our survival." He continued, "For the remaining four years and eleven months, I will do my utmost to fulfill the solemn mandate of the people to lead change one step ahead, overcome the current crisis, and open the door to infinite opportunities."
President Lee emphasized that alleviating the hardships of people's livelihoods and building a nation that can once again grow and leap forward is his top priority. He stated, "We will mobilize every possible measure to stabilize people's livelihoods and ease the burden of living costs," and added, "We will invest in the future, from advanced technology industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, to the renewable energy industry including energy highways, and the cultural industry." He also said that, in order to give strong momentum to technology-driven growth, the government will prepare for the 'KOSPI 5000 era' through the advancement of the capital market, which is the core platform for growth.
He also expressed his commitment to stabilizing the real estate market, which has been soaring especially in Seoul and the metropolitan area, and to overcoming the 'one-pole system' of the capital region through balanced development. President Lee said, "We will do everything possible to restore a virtuous cycle in the economy by channeling funds from unproductive to productive sectors," and added, "We will focus on stabilizing the real estate market with effective measures, under the fundamental principles of respecting market mechanisms and protecting genuine end-users." In particular, President Lee emphasized, "We will achieve 'growth for all' through 'balanced national development' to overcome the one-pole system of the capital region, and 'balanced industrial development' where large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, established companies, and venture startups cooperate and coexist."
He also pledged to build a more robust social safety net to protect vulnerable groups and to fulfill the state's primary responsibility of ensuring the people's safe and peaceful daily lives. President Lee said, "We will build a more comprehensive social safety net to protect vulnerable groups who stand defenseless in the face of economic hardship, and move toward a society where the basic lives of all citizens are guaranteed." He continued, "From uncovering the truth about social disasters to preparing measures to prevent the recurrence of repeated industrial accidents, we will not neglect our duty to build a safe society."
Regarding peace on the Korean Peninsula, President Lee stated, "Just as North Korea responded to the government's recent preemptive suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts, a virtuous cycle of peace is always possible." He added, "Based on strong national defense, we will thoroughly prepare for provocations, while at the same time resuming severed inter-Korean communication and opening the path to peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation." He also pledged to turn the 'Korea Discount' (undervaluation of the Korean stock market) into a 'Korea Premium,' saying, "We will protect both peace and the people's livelihoods through 'pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests,' based on a solid Korea-US alliance, close Korea-US-Japan cooperation, and the prompt improvement of relations with China and Russia."
President Lee also addressed concerns regarding the retention of Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Miryung. He stated, "Given the particular importance of agriculture as a national strategic industry, I will personally address issues facing agriculture and farmers," and added, "We will promptly process the four major agricultural livelihood bills, including the Grain Management Act, and reflect the voices from the field in policy so that hope can grow in rural areas."
This press conference, held under the slogan "30 Days of the President: The Media Asks, the People Answer," began with President Lee's brief opening remarks, followed by a Q&A session with reporters. Conducted in a 'town hall meeting' format without prior coordination, President Lee sat with reporters and engaged in a free-flowing exchange of questions and answers.
In response to the first question about his reflections on his first month in office, President Lee said, "Each day passes quickly. It feels as though time is passing by the week." He continued, "Since I began my duties without a transition committee, there has been a lot of confusion and the preparations were not perfect, so there have been many difficulties, but I am compensating for that with time and effort." He added, "I ask my aides to endure, thinking that the hardships and fatigue they experience, multiplied by 51.17 million, will have a positive effect." President Lee also mentioned the case of National Security Advisor Wi Sunglak, who suffered a nosebleed during the G7 Summit.
In response to questions about recent cabinet and presidential office appointments, as well as plans to regularize meetings with opposition leaders, President Lee said, "It is true that there is dissatisfaction and shortcomings regarding recent appointments, and some say we should have chosen better people. While it would be possible to select only those who align with our views, the president represents the entire nation, so it would be dangerous to appoint only those who share my preferences." He continued, "I believe regular meetings with opposition leaders are fundamentally necessary, and we can meet as needed according to the schedule." He added, "I hope to have frequent unofficial or official, but closed, meetings. Since I am ultimately responsible for consultation, compromise, and integration, I believe I should take the lead, and I will strive to do so."
Meanwhile, regarding the implementation of a 4.5-day workweek, President Lee said he would like to introduce it as soon as possible. Referring to his own experience working in a factory as a child, he said, "We should gradually implement what is possible through social dialogue, step by step." He added, "If this becomes a social trend, I believe the 4.5-day workweek could become a realistic and achievable goal overall."
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