On the 20th, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, met with Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, to discuss measures for "supporting youth employment." Assessments have emerged that Lee, who has shifted toward pro-corporations policies such as various tax cuts, has begun earnest steps aimed at an early presidential election. He raised the employment issue targeting the key casting vote of those in their 20s and 30s. This is the first time the two have met.
◇Lee: “We need to enhance the international competitiveness of large corporations…” Lee Jae-yong: “Investing for the future of Korea and youth”
That morning, Lee Jae-myung visited the Seoul campus of the Samsung Youth Software Academy (SSAFY). Chairman Lee, who was waiting in the campus lobby, greeted Lee warmly and guided him to the 11th floor.
Lee stated, “For the country to prosper, corporations must do well,” and added, “In a world where global competition is intensifying, it is truly important to enhance the international competitiveness of large corporations.” He also said, “Through Samsung overcoming its current difficulties, an excellent ecosystem will be created,” and expressed his hope that “many people can enjoy the fruits together and open up a new world.”
In response, Lee Jae-yong remarked, “SSAFY has been led with the thought of investing for the future of Korea and its youth under the name of walking together with society,” and noted that “today’s visit is appreciated by the youth who will carry the future of Korea and the future of artificial intelligence (AI).”
The two discussed measures such as ▲ support for youth employment ▲ nurturing talent in semiconductors and AI ▲ special legislation for semiconductors ▲ amendments to commercial law. Lee Jae-myung also met directly with SSAFY trainees to understand the current state of youth employment. He later visited the classroom to encourage the trainees.
This schedule took place as Lee Jae-myung, who declared a ‘centrist conservative’ stance, visited corporate sites and is promoting tax cuts. Earlier, on the 20th of last month, Lee visited the Hyundai Motor plant in Asan and announced plans to introduce a "tax system to promote domestic production in strategic industries."
◇Lee: “We need to increase public investment in AI…research and development must be guaranteed by the public”
On that day, Lee Jae-myung met with SSAFY trainees, stating, “We must ensure opportunities for studying AI as broadly as possible,” and remarked, “While Samsung is currently creating an educational program, the fact that this should have been partly addressed in the public sector suggests that it hasn’t gone well.”
He mentioned specific methods such as enhancing lifelong education related to AI and reforming public education. Lee emphasized that, “We must establish infrastructure to create a society that teaches not just arithmetic but the value of utilizing AI, such as increasing lifelong education funding or making some changes to the existing public education system.”
Additionally, he stated that opportunities and expenses in the field of research and development must be guaranteed by the public. He said, “As much collateral as possible should be provided by the public for research and development opportunities and expenses,” adding, “Ultimately, it’s not just about conducting research; it will become the most significant means of deciding our lives in the future, so both startups and venture investments must be significantly accountable by the public.”
On that day, it was reported that Lee Jae-yong and Lee Jae-myung also discussed issues related to public diplomacy.
Choo Seung-rae, the principal spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated, “(Lee) noted that there is a significant gap when comparing public diplomacy between Japan and our country, so corporations and the government must closely work together to respond,” adding, “Since individual corporate responses have limitations, there is a need for various entities to cooperate for diplomatic responses, which Samsung also agreed to.”