30-Day Inaugural Press Conference
"Alleviating Hardships and Building a Nation of Growth and Progress"
"Efforts to Restore a Virtuous Economic Cycle"
Emphasis on Balanced Regional Development, Including Overcoming the Single-Pole Seoul Metropolitan System
On July 3, during a press conference marking his first month in office at the State Guest House of the Blue House, President Lee Jaemyung stated, "We will mobilize every possible measure to stabilize people's livelihoods and ease the burden of living expenses for the public." He added, "We will invest in the future, ranging from advanced technology industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, to the renewable energy industry including the 'energy highway,' as well as the cultural industry."
In particular, President Lee emphasized his intention to prepare for the "KOSPI 5000 era" through the "advancement of the capital market," which he described as the core platform for growth, so that technology-driven growth can gain momentum. President Lee diagnosed, "Domestically, a complex crisis is layered in many aspects, while externally, a civilizational transformation of historic proportions is threatening our survival." He continued, "Over the remaining four years and eleven months, I will do my utmost to fulfill the people's solemn mandate to lead change one step ahead, overcome the current crisis, and open the window to infinite opportunities."
President Lee stated that alleviating the hardships of people's livelihoods and making Korea a country that grows and leaps forward again is the top priority. He also expressed his commitment to balanced development, including stabilizing the real estate market and overcoming the "single-pole system centered on the Seoul metropolitan area." President Lee said, "I will make every effort to ensure that funds in the market flow from unproductive sectors to productive ones, thereby restoring a virtuous cycle in the economy." He added, "Under the fundamental principles of respecting market mechanisms and protecting genuine demand, we will focus on stabilizing the real estate market with effective measures."
President Lee pledged, "We will build a tighter social safety net to protect vulnerable groups who stand exposed before the waves of the people's economy, and move toward a society where every citizen's basic life is guaranteed."
Regarding peace on the Korean Peninsula, President Lee said, "Just as North Korea responded to the government's recent preemptive suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts, a virtuous cycle of peace is entirely possible." He continued, "We will open the path to peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula." He also stated his intention to turn the "Korea Discount" (the undervaluation of the Korean stock market) into a "Korea Premium."
Regarding the retention of Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Miryeong, President Lee said, "Given the particular importance of agriculture as a national strategic industry, I will personally address issues concerning agriculture and farmers."
When asked about his reflections on his first month in office, President Lee replied, "Each day passes quickly. It feels as if time is passing in weekly units." He added, "I am asking my aides to endure well, thinking that the effect of their hard work?nosebleeds, fatigue, and difficulties?is multiplied by 51,170,000 times," referring to the population of Korea.
In response to questions about recent cabinet and presidential office appointments and the idea of regularized summit meetings, President Lee said, "We could choose to appoint only people who match our color or one side, but as the president representing the entire people, it would be dangerous to appoint only those who fit my preferences or political color."
Meanwhile, regarding the implementation of a 4.5-day workweek, President Lee said he would like to proceed as soon as possible. He stated, "As this becomes established as a social trend, I believe the 4.5-day workweek will become a realistically achievable goal overall."
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