President Lee Presides Over First Senior Secretaries and Aides Meeting After Long Holiday
"Culture Is the Core of National Dignity and Competitiveness in the 21st Century"
Calls for Securing Financial Resources to Expand Cultural Content Base <
President Lee Jaemyung stated, "In order for K-Culture to firmly take root, a comprehensive strategy that encompasses the entire cultural ecosystem is essential." He added, "We must accelerate efforts to secure financial resources and implement tax and regulatory reforms necessary to expand the cultural content infrastructure, as well as strengthen the social safety net for cultural artists."
On the afternoon of October 13, President Lee presided over a meeting of senior secretaries and aides at the presidential office in Yongsan. In his opening remarks, he said, "In the new international society of the 21st century, I believe culture is at the core of a nation's dignity, competitiveness, and national power. While Korea ranks highly in national competitiveness, economic power, and military strength, it is not overwhelmingly dominant. However, as Kim Gu once hoped, culture has begun to exert significant influence." The meeting was held with a focus on cultural policy.
President Lee assessed that Korea is now entering the gateway to becoming a cultural powerhouse. He said, "The recent sensational popularity of K-Culture has further elevated Korea's status and appeal," and added, "Korea is emerging as a leading nation in the world, powered by its strong cultural influence."
He continued, "When we talk about culture, people usually think of music and the arts, but these days it encompasses drama, film, food, beauty, and all sorts of fields." He further explained, "Ultimately, the core of culture is a value system called democracy. Starting from pop music and expanding to K-dramas and K-movies, and now to K-food, K-beauty, and even K-democracy, the world is looking up to Korea with admiration."
He went on to say, "We must seek a variety of ways to maximize the synergy with related industries," and added, "I hope we can meticulously design all related policies with the mindset that Korea's future hinges on becoming a creative and innovative cultural powerhouse."
Additionally, President Lee expressed his gratitude to firefighters, police officers, medical staff, military personnel, and all public officials who quietly worked in the field to protect the lives and safety of the people during the long holiday period. He said, "In particular, I want to thank those who have worked hard to restore the administrative network to normal. I sincerely appreciate your efforts."
As this was the first meeting of senior secretaries and aides after the long holiday, President Lee also addressed the role of politics in reinforcing discipline. He said, "Politics exists to improve the lives of the people and create a better future for the community. It is the responsibility of politics, and the will of the sovereign people, to create new paths when necessary to solve the issues of people's livelihoods." He added, "That is why politics is often called a comprehensive art. Although internal and external conditions are difficult, just as a kite flies higher when the wind is strong, we must unite our national capabilities as the people's primary servants to turn crises into new opportunities to improve people's lives."
Meanwhile, President Lee reiterated his directive to actively cooperate with the regular National Assembly audit. He said, "I ask that the National Assembly, regardless of party affiliation, join together on the path for the people and the nation," and added, "The government has also been instructed to actively cooperate with the National Assembly audit. Any distortions or misunderstandings should be properly clarified, and I once again ask everyone to approach the audit, as representatives of the people, with humility and active engagement."
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