Lee: "Safety-Based and Culturally Attractive Growth Will Be Core State Principles"

"Increase of 3,500 Labor Inspectors"
"Expanded Support and Investment in Culture"

President Lee Jae-myung stated at the New Year's press conference on the 21st, "We will firmly implement measures to establish a safe working environment and respect for life, such as increasing the number of labor inspectors by 3,500 and creating new workplace guardians."

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the New Year's press conference held at the Blue House State Guest House on the 21st. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee said, "'Sustainable growth based on safety' will be further solidified as a core principle of state administration." He added, "If we create a structure in which the costs and consequences of disregarding life become much higher than they are now, it will lead to real changes, reducing industrial accidents. We will implement every possible measure within the current system to the fullest extent, and if necessary, we will revise or introduce new relevant laws and systems."

He also presented a vision for "attractive growth driven by culture." President Lee emphasized, "K-culture, which makes people around the world laugh and cry, is no longer just a cultural phenomenon. In an era of limitless competition where protectionism has reached its peak, K-culture is proving that universal empathy is possible for humanity and is reconnecting the world as one."

However, he pointed out, "Although the cultural budget has increased significantly to 9.6 trillion won this year, we are still far from being able to call ourselves a 'cultural powerhouse.' We will make support and investment in culture a core growth strategy, nurturing future industries and enhancing the national brand."

Regarding recent disagreements over the supplementary investigative powers of the prosecution, he said, "There is no such thing as reform that is completed in an instant. To robustly protect the rights of the people and minimize confusion and side effects, we will continue to improve laws and systems as necessary."

He further stated, "We will never stop or waver due to resistance or burdens. We will uphold the purpose of reform to the end and, in line with the will of the people, continue to develop responsible solutions so that reform leads to a better life for all."

When asked about youth unemployment and support for startups, he responded, "Youth unemployment is so severe that we must quickly shift from an employment-centered society to one centered on entrepreneurship. We need educational institutions and opportunities such as startup academies and startup universities, as well as funding."

He continued, "Up until now, support for startups has been provided when someone 'starts up' a business, but from now on, we should support the very first step-the 'start' itself. I also believe that policies should be creative, such as creating a market for co-founders."