President Lee: "Reform That Clings to Justification and Ideals but Increases Suffering Is Not True Reform" (Comprehensive)

President Lee Presides Over Senior Secretaries' Meeting
"Policies Must Help Protect Human Rights and Guarantee Substantive Rights for the People"
Orders Meticulous Review of Policies from a Practical and Effective Perspective
Calls for Faster Reforms: "Implement Reform Measures Without Delay"
Closed-Door Meeting Discusses Financial and Administrative Support for Balanced Regional Development

On January 22, President Lee Jaemyung stated, "If so-called reform measures only add to suffering and confusion by clinging to justification and ideals, rather than improving people's lives, they cannot be considered true reforms." This is interpreted as a reiteration of his final goals and principles regarding prosecution reform, as emphasized during the New Year's press conference the previous day.

Yonhap News Agency

During his opening remarks at the senior secretaries' meeting held at the Blue House main building that day, President Lee stressed, "The sole purpose of running state affairs on behalf of the sovereign people is, above all else, to bring about tangible improvements in the lives of the people."

President Lee further stated that the success or failure of reform initiatives depends on "how much and in what ways the 50 million citizens actually experience changes in their daily lives." He instructed that policies should be meticulously reviewed from a practical and effective perspective to determine which measures best protect human rights and guarantee substantive rights for the public. He added, "Changing the paradigm of growth and pushing forward with reforms are all for the people, by the people, and carried out by the people themselves."

President Lee called for greater speed from both the National Assembly and the government. He said, "Please cooperate so that the National Assembly can accelerate the legislative process, and encourage ministries and agencies to move faster so that visible results can be achieved early." He added, "The time we have is limited, and as time passes, our momentum for these initiatives will wane." He continued, "Any reforms that can be implemented as soon as possible should be carried out quickly so that people can feel the changes. Time is truly of the essence."

During the New Year's press conference the previous day, President Lee mentioned the 'exceptional necessity' of supplementary investigative powers for prosecutors, emphasizing, "The core of prosecution reform is not about stripping away power, but about ultimately ensuring the protection of citizens' rights and human rights." He added, "We need to establish a prosecutorial investigation and indictment system that is efficient, yet safe from the risk of abuse of authority."

President Lee also mentioned the full implementation of the 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) Framework Act,' which takes effect from this day. He said, "Artificial intelligence is already a key driver fundamentally reshaping not only the economy but society and daily life as a whole." He stressed, "There must be institutional support to maximize the industry's potential and proactive efforts to manage any anticipated side effects."

President Lee particularly emphasized, "We must minimize unnecessary confusion on the ground through rational and transparent policy implementation." He noted, "Sometimes, regulations on new technologies can inadvertently undermine synergies in the field, contrary to their original intent." He urged his aides, "Listen closely to concerns from the industry and provide support so that relatively resource-constrained ventures and startups can adapt well to the new system. Remember once again that policies are completed not at the desk, but in the field."

According to a written briefing by Kim Namjun, spokesperson for the Blue House, policy ideas to be prioritized this year were discussed during the subsequent closed-door meeting. Topics on the table included financial and administrative support for balanced regional development, support programs for youth and vulnerable groups, and measures to foster future growth industries such as AI. Discussions were also held on strengthening national security capabilities, supporting overseas Koreans, stabilizing supply chains, and enhancing expertise in public personnel management.