Kim Yong-beom, the presidential office Deputy Minister for policy, marked his first anniversary in office and shared his thoughts on the current economic situation as he looked back on the past year.
Deputy Minister Kim wrote on his social media on the 6th, "Exactly one year ago today I began work as Deputy Minister," adding, "Amid the mismatch of 13 consecutive quarters of declining retail sales and surging dwelling prices, I was at a loss as to where to find a starting thread."
He recalled, "When I look at the photo from then, standing in the press room in a suit and tie for the first time in years, the dazed and heavy feelings come back."
He also mentioned the current economic situation. Deputy Minister Kim said, "Today, a year later, we are facing another landscape," adding, "On the back of record corporate earnings, the KOSPI is in the 8,000-point range, but the exchange rate is in the 1,550-won range." He continued, "Both the good and the difficult are all unfamiliar tasks we have not yet encountered."
The won-dollar exchange rate broke through 1,550 won in overnight transactions the previous day, at one point soaring to 1,561.5 won. This is the highest level since the 2009 global financial crisis.
Deputy Minister Kim concluded, "Thanks to the people who stayed by my side, I was able to get through it, and I am grateful to those who sent encouragement at every difficult moment."