[Full Text] President Lee Jae-myung Mentions 'Growth' 31 Times: "Complete Reallocation of Government Capabilities"

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 Jae-myung declared during the New Year's press conference on the 21st that, to overcome low growth, "the government will completely reallocate its resources and capabilities," and pledged to "redraw the growth roadmap for the Republic of Korea." He further emphasized, "We will overcome K-shaped growth, where one side grows rapidly while the other stagnates."

At the press conference held at 10 a.m. in the Blue House State Guest House, President Lee used the word "growth" a total of 31 times in his opening remarks. He pointed out, "Many countries that once led us have fallen into the trap of low growth," and warned, "If Korea becomes trapped in the old formula for success, we too will fall into a similar vicious cycle." As a solution, he cited the "major transformation centered on local regions, coexistence, safety, culture, and peace" that he outlined in his New Year's address on January 1, expressing confidence that this would be "the shortcut to lead Korea into a new era of great progress."

The following is President Lee Jae-myung's full opening statement at the 2026 New Year's press conference.

"Now is the time for Korea."

Nice to see you all. Normally, after a video like that, there would be applause (laughter). Some of you may have hesitated to clap, worried about how it might be perceived. The atmosphere is a bit formal, so let me begin with some opening remarks.

During press conferences, questions often get interrupted, and some people later regret not having the chance to ask what they wanted. So, we will try to ensure as many people as possible can ask questions today.

On the other hand, this is not an interrogation at a police station, so I also need to share what I want to say to the people, which may make my remarks a bit lengthy. Some of you in the media may be a bit dissatisfied with this. As a compromise, although we have 90 minutes scheduled today, if you wish, we can take as much time as needed-though perhaps not all night (laughter)-and we will ensure there is ample time for Q&A within the limits of your article deadlines.

To the respected and beloved people of Korea, as the world order is undergoing a massive transformation, the entire world is watching Korea. I have felt this keenly, meeting leaders from various countries on the diplomatic stage last year and visiting China and Japan in succession this year. The international community's interest and expectations for Korea exceed anything we could have imagined.

Korea is no longer a small country in the East surrounded by great powers, nor a latecomer simply following the lead of advanced nations. As the only country to achieve both industrialization and democratization, and to grow from an aid recipient to an aid donor, Korea has become a nation whose every step is watched by the world, having once again established itself as a shining model of democracy through indomitable strength. We have peacefully overcome an unprecedented crisis of democracy, and the restoration of democracy is now paving the way for a virtuous cycle of renewed economic growth and social development.

Many countries that once led us have become complacent with the "formula for success" that drove their past growth and have fallen back into the trap of low growth. As opportunities shrink due to low growth, competition becomes a war, and a society where losing in competition means ruin breeds extremism, which in turn erodes democracy. Damaged democracy then hinders growth, repeating the vicious cycle.

This is not just the story of other countries. If Korea becomes trapped in the "formula for past success," we too could fall into a similar vicious cycle.

This is why, in my New Year's address, I stated that "we must completely change the paradigm of growth." The five major transformations I mentioned-region-led growth, inclusive growth that shares opportunities and rewards, sustainable growth based on safety, attractive growth driven by culture, and stable growth underpinned by peace-are the shortcut to a new future of great progress for Korea and will become a new model of growth and advancement for the world to follow.

Therefore, a major shift in growth strategy is not simply about "giving a bit more" to local regions or providing slightly more support to small and venture businesses. It is an ambitious attempt to completely reprioritize every aspect of state administration, to reallocate all government resources and capabilities, and to redraw Korea's growth roadmap.

Let me elaborate on a few points.

First, the transformation toward "region-led growth" has already begun. For each region to lead Korea's growth, it must possess the appropriate "scale." The ongoing metropolitan integration of Daejeon-Chungnam and Gwangju-Jeonnam is a symbolic starting point for region-led growth and a national survival strategy that must succeed.

I make this promise here today: The direction of metropolitan integration will never be swayed by political interests. If there are differing opinions, we will find reasonable alternatives through rigorous debate and take full responsibility for the necessary administrative, financial, and institutional support.

Building on metropolitan integration, Korea's territory-once dominated by the Seoul metropolitan area-will be reorganized into a "five-core, three-special zone system" led by the regions. The fundamental principle that areas farther from the capital will receive stronger support will be reflected in all government policies.

Second, through "inclusive growth" that shares opportunities and rewards, we will overcome "K-shaped growth," where one side grows rapidly while the other stagnates. The key players in solving this daunting challenge are the startups and venture companies that continuously innovate and create new engines of growth. Korean companies already have the strength to sweep innovation awards at events like CES in the United States.

We will create an "era of startup and venture enthusiasm," enabling young entrepreneurs and founders to freely take on challenges and boldly pioneer innovation, while also developing specific policies together. Just as the venture boom under the Kim Dae-jung administration propelled Korea to become an IT powerhouse, the startup and entrepreneurship boom under the People’s Sovereignty Government will become a structural turning point that transforms the Korean economy.

The startup and entrepreneurship boom is both a jobs policy and a youth policy. Local entrepreneurship, utilizing regional culture and resources, will serve as a balanced development strategy, while tech startups will become a national growth strategy to foster future talent. The government will focus its capabilities on these efforts.

Third, "sustainable growth based on safety" will become an even more firmly established core principle of state administration. We will steadfastly implement measures to ensure safe working environments and respect for life, such as increasing the number of labor inspectors by 3,500 and introducing new workplace safety monitors. We will fully implement all possible measures within the current system, amend relevant laws and systems if necessary, and establish new ones. By creating a structure where the costs and consequences of disregarding life are much higher than before, we can bring about real change and reduce industrial accidents.

Fourth, through "attractive growth driven by culture," we will foster new engines of growth, expand the horizons of diplomacy, and enhance national competitiveness. K-culture, which makes people around the world laugh and cry, is no longer just a cultural phenomenon. In an era of extreme competition and protectionism, it demonstrates that universal human empathy is possible and is reconnecting the world as one.

Although this year’s cultural budget has been significantly increased to 9.6 trillion won, 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 to foster future industries and enhance the national brand.

Fifth, through "stable growth underpinned by peace," we will ensure that our economy can take another leap forward, moving steadily toward a future of peaceful coexistence and joint growth.

First, as a "pacemaker," we will make every diplomatic effort to facilitate early North Korea-U.S. dialogue and gradually create conditions for the resumption of inter-Korean talks. We will work to restore the September 19 Military Agreement to prevent accidental clashes between the two Koreas and to build political and military trust.

In addition, we will continue to seek creative solutions that make peace beneficial for both North and South Korea. Although this sharp chill will not thaw overnight, we will consistently pursue feasible measures to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula and elicit a positive response from the North. Building on a solid Korea-U.S. alliance, robust self-reliant defense, and pragmatic, national interest-centered diplomacy, we will promote peace on the peninsula and continue to take meaningful steps toward a nuclear-free Korea.

Beloved citizens, now is the time to strengthen our national power. If we successfully achieve the five major transformations outlined above, Korea will have grown into a strong nation leading the future of the world.

Throughout Korea's turbulent history, the source of our national strength has always been the people. Even when opinions differed, once principles and direction were set, our people overcame every crisis. This great, unified strength of our people is the very foundation of Korea’s national power today.

The first principle of state administration under the People’s Sovereignty Government is "the lives of the people above all else." Pragmatic realism, free from ideology, factionalism, and political strife, is our direction. We will correct all forms of unfairness, privilege, and rule-breaking that harm the lives of the people, no matter how trivial they may seem.

In the same vein, we will also firmly pursue prosecutorial reform. As long as powerful institutions entrusted with the people’s authority do not serve the people, correcting unfairness, privilege, and rule-breaking will remain out of reach.

No reform is achieved overnight. To fully protect the rights of the people and minimize confusion and side effects, we will continue to improve laws and systems as needed.

However, this process will never undermine the essence of reform. We will never stop or waver due to resistance or burdens. We will uphold the purpose of reform to the end and, following the will of the people, devise the most responsible solutions to ensure that reform leads to a better life for all.

Proud citizens, now is the time for Korea.

To make this decisive moment before us the starting point for Korea’s great leap forward, I will faithfully carry out my responsibilities with even greater resolve than last year.

Thank you.