President Lee Jae-myung emphasized on the 3rd, "It has been an intense time, fighting day by day since 30th," adding, "Above all, I am fully committed to restoring the collapsed livelihoods." He stated that the top priority for the remaining 4 years and 11 months is "to alleviate the hardships of living and create a country that can grow and leap again.
On this day, President Lee held a press conference at the Blue House's State Guesthouse under the theme 'The President's 30 days: The press asks and the people answer,' saying, "I have activated the Emergency Economic Inspection Task Force (TF) as my first order after taking office to gather wisdom to revive the economy and find solutions.
President Lee noted, "It is a crucial time when a proactive and bold role of national finance is more important than ever," adding, "We have prepared a supplementary budget proposal of 30.5 trillion won more quickly than any government in history. I hope the National Assembly will swiftly pass the supplementary budget so that we can create a catalyst for economic recovery and consumption stimulation.
President Lee pledged, "I will mobilize all prescriptions to stabilize livelihoods and alleviate the burden of living expenses for the people." Furthermore, he stated, "Through 'the advancement of capital markets,' I will prepare for the 'KOSPI 5000 era,' striving to ensure that public funds flow from unproductive areas to productive ones, restoring the virtuous cycle of the economy.
President Lee said, "I will work on stabilizing the real estate market with effective measures under the great principle of respecting market principles and protecting actual users," mentioning 'balanced national development' to overcome the predominant 1-axis system in the metropolitan area. He emphasized, "Just as we have aimed for consideration of regions, especially those facing extinction, in the distribution of consumption coupons for restoring livelihoods, I will ensure that all government policies pay more attention to regions.
Seemingly aware of concerns regarding the reappointment of Minister Song Mi-ryeong of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, President Lee stated, "Given the special importance of agriculture as a national strategic industry, I will take direct charge of agricultural issues and farmers' concerns." He added that he will swiftly deal with agricultural livelihood bills, including the Grain Management Act, and reflect the voices from the field into policies, nurturing hope in rural areas.
President Lee highlighted, "Attending the G7 Leaders' Summit, I informed the world about the restoration of democracy, economic recovery, and the revival of normal diplomacy," also adding, "I will do my best to achieve mutually beneficial results based on the principle of 'practical diplomacy centered on national interests' concerning one of the biggest challenges: the Korea-U.S. trade negotiations.
[Below is the full statement of President Lee Jae-myung]
<Restoration and normalization in 30 days! 'A country owned by the people', I will fulfill my responsibilities.>
Dear citizens whom I love and respect, our new government, which has set sail in a national crisis without a moment to catch its breath, has now reached a month.
The 30th was a time spent intensely, imprinting the heartfelt desire of the citizens who are crossing the waves of national crisis moment by moment.
Above all, I am fully committed to restoring the collapsed livelihoods. As my 'first order' after taking office, I have activated the 'Emergency Economic Inspection TF' to gather wisdom and find solutions to revive the people's economy. This is a crucial time for an active and bold role of national finance, and we have prepared a supplementary budget of 30.5 trillion won more quickly than any previous government. I hope for the rapid passage of the supplementary budget in the National Assembly so that we can create a catalyst for economic recovery and consumption stimulation.
Secondly, I have declared the 'Return of Democratic Korea' and returned to the international stage. By attending the G7 Leaders' Summit, I informed the world about the restoration of democracy, economic recovery, and the revival of normal diplomacy. Thanks to the strength of our great citizens, we have been able to restore the dignity of Korea and expand the horizons of diplomacy. I will also do my best to achieve mutually beneficial and cooperative results in the Korea-U.S. trade negotiations, which is one of the most significant issues.
Thirdly, we have taken the first step toward a 'people's sovereign government' where the will of the sovereign is regularly reflected in state affairs. Starting with the 'people's recommendation system' and 'people's mailbox', we will make the voices of citizens from all corners of the country the compass for state governance.
Fourthly, we have begun our journey toward 'just integration.' I expect that the three special investigation teams that have already been launched will play a crucial role in completely ending insurrections and rebuilding the constitutional order and democracy in accordance with the people's mandate.
Fifthly, I have taken the first steps to secure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, ensuring that daily life for citizens remains uninterrupted. Beginning with cutting the anxious ties of South-North broadcasts that disrupted the sleep of border residents, I will restore the virtuous cycle where peace leads to economic growth and the economy strengthens peace.
Dear citizens, a difficult first step toward normalizing the state has been made, but the road ahead is still rough and steep. Internally, the complex crises stacked in many areas and externally, a civilization-level transformation is threatening our survival.
For the remaining 4 years and 11 months, I will do my best to fulfill the strict command of the citizens to lead change a step ahead and open a window of infinite opportunities beyond the present crisis.
First, alleviating the pain of livelihoods and creating a country that can grow and leap again is the top priority. I will mobilize all prescriptions to stabilize livelihoods and relieve the burden of living expenses for the citizens. Overcoming today's difficulties will lay the foundation for sustainable growth, leading to a 'world where we live well together.'
From advanced technology industries like AI and semiconductors to renewable energy industries including energy highways and cultural industries, I will spare no investment for the future.
To ensure strong momentum for technology-driven growth, I will prepare for the 'KOSPI 5000 era' through 'advanced capital market' as a core platform for growth. I will ensure that corporations lead the global market and that our citizens secure opportunities to invest in growing corporations, thus increasing our national wealth. I will do everything possible to restore the virtuous cycle of the economy by channeling public funds from unproductive areas to productive ones.
I will work on stabilizing the real estate market with effective measures under the great principle of respecting market principles and protecting actual users. I will achieve 'balanced industrial development' through cooperation between large corporations and small and medium enterprises, as well as established companies and venture startups to realize 'growth for all'.
Just as we prioritized consideration for regions, especially those facing extinction, in issuing consumption coupons for restoring livelihoods, I will further consider regions in all national policies.
Secondly, I will protect the lives of citizens seamlessly with a thick 'social safety mattress.' For recovery, growth, and innovation to be possible, it must be a country where one can rise again even after falling or failing. I will build a more robust social safety net to protect vulnerable groups standing bare against the waves of the livelihood economy and move towards a society where the basic lives of all citizens are guaranteed.
Thirdly, I will fulfill the country's primary responsibility of ensuring the safety and peaceful daily lives of citizens. From revealing the truth of social disasters to preparing measures to prevent the recurrence of repeated industrial accidents, I will not neglect the responsibility of building a safe society. I will turn death traps into workplaces of life and ensure that no bereaved families will be crying out in the streets.
Peace is indeed a prerequisite for the safety and happiness of citizens. As seen recently when North Korea responded to the government's proactive cessation of broadcasts, a virtuous cycle of peace is always possible. Korea is a military power with the world's 5th largest military strength, spending defense expenditure equivalent to 1.4 times North Korea's GDP. Based on our strong defense capability, I will prepare thoroughly for provocations while also restarting communication between the North and South, opening pathways for peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation. I will protect both peace and the lives of citizens through 'practical diplomacy centered on national interests,' based on a strong Korea-U.S. alliance, close Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation, and prompt improvement in relations with China and Russia.
I will proudly change 'Korea Discount' to 'Korea Premium.' Due to the climate crisis and the changing international trade order, agricultural conditions are becoming increasingly difficult. I am well aware of the expectations and concerns regarding the new agricultural policies of the new government, especially concerning the reappointment of the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Given the special importance of agriculture as a national strategic industry, I will directly address agricultural issues and farmers' concerns. I will swiftly process agricultural livelihood bills, including the Grain Management Act, and reflect the voices from the field into policies to nurture hope in rural areas.
The wisdom of the citizens, the collective intelligence of the people, is the light that will illuminate our path. I will standardize and institutionalize direct communication with the citizens and actively reflect their voices in state governance, moving toward a true 'country owned by the people.'
I will swiftly push forward reforms concerning the institutions of power delegated the authority of the citizens. As has been the case until now, our government's firm principle will always be 'only for the citizens.' I will respond to the citizens' earnest desires through 'politics of proof' that creates substantial changes in the lives of citizens and 'politics of trust' that keeps the promises made.