President Outlines Vision for ‘Innovative, Practical Government’ Amidst Challenges
In a press conference marking his first anniversary in office, President Lee declared his administration’s commitment to becoming an ‘innovative and practical government’ capable of adapting to a rapidly changing world and safeguarding the lives of citizens. He pledged that the government would continuously evolve into one that does not shy away from any policy that benefits the public.
Confronting Three Major Crises
President Lee reflected on the past year, stating, “Over the last year, we have navigated the waves of three crises that threatened the lives of our citizens and the future of the Republic of Korea.” He specifically identified these as the crisis of democracy stemming from internal and external factors, the crisis of stability and security posed by geopolitical shifts, and the livelihood crisis exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East.
Despite these challenges, the President emphasized that the past year also revealed the Republic of Korea’s potential, capabilities, and opportunities. He highlighted that the unprecedented threat to democracy served as a testament to the resilience of the Korean people. Furthermore, he noted that the geopolitical instability, which led to economic anxieties, underscored the nation’s outstanding industrial and technological competitiveness.
Four Key National Policy Goals
President Lee then laid out four core objectives for his administration:
1. Becoming a Super-Growth Industrial Power
The first goal is to advance towards becoming a “super-growth industrial power where all citizens and regions equally share in growth opportunities and benefits.” The President stressed that the fruits of growth must not be concentrated within specific corporations, regions, or sectors. He also announced plans to develop strategies for the efficient utilization of semiconductor-related tax benefits.
2. Global Diplomacy and Security Power
Secondly, the administration aims to become a “global diplomacy and security power that protects the peace and pride of all citizens.” President Lee pledged to build upon the diplomatic and security achievements of the past year, including the revision of the ROK-US Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) agreement, efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation, and the pursuit of early restoration of sovereign rights over wartime operational control. He committed to ensuring these endeavors yield concrete results.
3. Establishing a Normal Society
The third objective is to move towards a “normal society where the rules and regulations agreed upon by all citizens are strictly observed.” The President vowed to take firm action against disruptive practices such as speculative real estate transactions and fraud that undermine market order. He also reiterated the commitment to structural reforms aimed at eliminating special privileges without wavering.
4. Prioritizing Citizen Safety
Finally, the President stated that the administration would establish systems that prioritize the lives and safety of citizens across all areas of national governance, including finance, welfare, labor, healthcare, public safety, and disaster response.
In concluding his address, President Lee reiterated his commitment to leading an “innovative, practical government” that actively responds to the needs of the people.
