Prime Minister Kim Minseok stated on January 2, "We will not stop our efforts for peace," adding, "The government will continue to keep the possibility of dialogue with North Korea open and work to create a Korean Peninsula of peaceful coexistence and prosperity."
Prime Minister Kim Minseok delivers a New Year's address at the 2026 government opening ceremony held at the main auditorium of the Government Complex Sejong on January 2, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News
In his speech at the 2026 government opening ceremony held at the Government Complex Sejong that day, Prime Minister Kim said, "Since its inauguration, the Lee Jaemyung administration has reduced wasteful conflicts, such as the balloon launches and loudspeaker broadcasts, through proactive measures." He made these remarks as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification have recently been competing for the initiative in North Korea policy, and his comments are seen as emphasizing the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue.
Since its launch, the Lee Jaemyung administration has continuously proposed dialogue with North Korea under the banner of a 'peaceful two-state theory,' but North Korea has not shown any particular response. In this year's New Year's address by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, there was no external message directed at South Korea or the United States. However, with the possibility of a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire negotiation and U.S. President Donald Trump's planned visit to China in April, the situation on the Korean Peninsula could change rapidly, so the government is preparing for various scenarios.
Prime Minister Kim Minseok and other ministers are taking a commemorative photo at the 2026 government opening ceremony held at the main auditorium of the Government Complex Sejong on January 2, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kim presented 'open government' as a key keyword for this year's policy direction. He said, "Making government work reports public has given the public a sense of efficacy and brought a sense of tension to the civil service," adding, "This tension will save the government and save the Republic of Korea." He further emphasized, "The essence of this tension is that all public officials have begun to be evaluated transparently before the people, who are the sovereign." He continued, "Not only the Presidential Office but also each ministry will make state affairs more public to build greater responsibility and trust."
In addition, he announced plans to focus on nurturing five major future strategic industries: artificial intelligence (AI), bio, culture, defense, and energy. Prime Minister Kim said, "To realize a 'cultural powerhouse' that adds value and competitiveness to all industries, the government will firmly support and trust the creativity of the private sector."
Prime Minister Kim stated, "2026 will be the first year of a great leap forward for the Republic of Korea," and encouraged public officials, saying, "Let us create a government that is more humble before the people and responds to the public with achievements and trust."
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