Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yooncheol: "We Must Pursue Performance-Oriented Economic Management"

Expanded Executive Meeting Held by the Ministry of Economy and Finance on January 19

On January 19, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yooncheol emphasized the importance of performance-oriented economic management and stabilizing the cost of living.

Deputy Prime Minister Koo held an expanded executive meeting at the Government Complex Sejong that morning, attended by the First Vice Minister of Economy and Finance, as well as key executives including directors-general and division heads.

At this meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Koo stressed the need for performance-oriented economic management. He urged that, based on the measures previously announced, the focus in 2026 should be on achieving tangible results in areas such as the ultra-innovative economy, the AI-driven transformation, and K-GX (Green Transformation).

To this end, he instructed that rather than attempting to push forward in all areas uniformly, specific goals should be set clearly, and policy capabilities should be concentrated on achieving those goals. He also asked that particular attention be paid to the livelihoods of ordinary citizens, ensuring that the benefits of growth are distributed broadly.

He especially highlighted the importance of stabilizing the cost of living, given recent trends in prices and exchange rates, and called for thorough management through joint efforts among ministries. He further noted the need for active support for young people and local communities, instructing that these livelihood concerns be fully reflected in upcoming measures, including those for the Lunar New Year holiday.

Deputy Prime Minister Koo emphasized that, to fulfill these roles effectively, the Ministry of Economy and Finance must take the initiative in identifying policy agendas. He instructed that the ministry respond proactively to current issues in cooperation with other ministries, while also anticipating and reviewing policy issues that may arise in the future. To this end, he stated that the ministry would strengthen unit-level discussions using a free discussion format, enabling sufficient internal debate and the discovery of creative ideas.

He also stressed the need to break away from past practices, approach policy with new methods and an open mind, and discover policies that the public can truly feel through internal communication and inter-ministerial cooperation, thereby driving innovation.