President Lee: "Concentration of Capital and Uneven Opportunities Hinder Growth... Growth Strategy Must Fundamentally Change"

President Lee Hosts New Year's Reception
Five Key Government Officials and Business Leaders Attend; People Power Party Absent
"National Unity Is the Most Important and Urgent Task"
National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik: "Judicial Procedures Related to Martial Law Must Be Swiftly Concluded"

On January 2, President Lee Jaemyung stated at the New Year's reception held at the Blue House State Guest House, "The Year of Byeongo in 2026 will be a new year in which the Republic of Korea will vigorously advance toward a great leap forward, building upon the foundations of recovery and normalization." President Lee emphasized, "What we all need most as we stand before the task of a great leap forward is the courage to break away from familiar old paths, to continuously innovate, and to boldly move toward a grand transformation." The New Year's reception was held under the theme, "Beyond Recovery, Toward a Great Leap Forward."

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In particular, President Lee stressed the need to shift the growth strategy, saying, "Today, the concentration of capital and the imbalance of opportunities are hindering growth and leading to a vicious cycle of competition and conflict. We must boldly transform our existing growth strategy." He continued, "There is a clear solution. Only inclusive growth, where everyone shares both opportunities and rewards, will be the shortcut to leading the Republic of Korea into a future of great leaps. The fruits of economic growth must flow to small and medium-sized enterprises and venture companies, and ultimately result in changes in daily life that every citizen can feel."

President Lee also repeatedly mentioned the necessity of unity. He said, "A society where people turn their backs on each other because of differing opinions, or where differences become seeds of extreme confrontation, can never move forward. That is why national unity is the most important and urgent task." He added, "If we seek paths of coexistence and harmony instead of fueling conflict, and if we consider our responsibility for mutual growth as seriously as the pace of our economic growth, I am confident that the Republic of Korea can once again achieve a great leap forward."

National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik, before proposing a toast, said, "I am truly grateful that the President has arranged this valuable gathering at the beginning of the year," and added, "I deeply resonate with the message of unity and a great leap forward." Speaker Woo stated, "The National Assembly and the government, as well as our entire society, must work together to bring about change."

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Speaker Woo identified the swift completion of judicial procedures related to the 12·3 Martial Law as a key task for unity. He said, "You have to fill the pit for water to flow," and added, "Achieving judicial justice will become the foundation for restoring social trust and unity."

Next, Speaker Woo cited 'resolving inequality' as a second priority, stating, "The unfair privilege structures that were tolerated in the economic sector during the period of compressed growth have now expanded to all areas of society, which is the root of today's inequality problem." He continued, "This causes public frustration, intensifies political polarization, and undermines the foundation of democracy. The National Assembly and the government must closely pool their capabilities to address inequality."

Speaker Woo also said, "I am scheduled to visit China the day after tomorrow, and this moment holds great significance. I wish you a successful trip. The National Assembly, together with the people, will support you." For the toast, he led with "With the people," to which the attendees responded, "For unity and a great leap forward."

The New Year's reception was attended by five key government officials, including National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik, Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Constitutional Court President Kim Sanghwan, National Election Commission Chairman Noh Taeak, and Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Huidae. From the business sector, participants included Korea International Trade Association Chairman Yoon Jinshik, Korea Federation of SMEs Chairman Choi Jinshik, Korea Employers Federation Chairman Ryu Jin, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Choi Taewon, Korea Enterprises Federation Chairman Sohn Kyungshik, Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business Chairman Kim Kimon, and Korea Venture Business Association Chairman Song Byungjun. Political party leaders in attendance included Democratic Party Leader Jung Chungrae, Rebuilding Korea Party Leader Cho Kuk, Progressive Party Standing Representative Kim Jaeyeon, Reform Party Leader Lee Junseok, Basic Income Party Leader Yong Hyein, and Social Democratic Party Leader Han Changmin.