The Opening of the Era of Great Powers, the Lee Jae-myung Government and the Strategic Leap of South Korea

Strengthening National Power of the Lee Jae-myung Government

The Lee Jae-myung government is creating a turning point that will transform South Korea into a truly strong nation, beyond a mere narrative of possibilities. The accumulated internal capabilities from industrialization and democratization, world-class technological prowess, balanced diplomatic sensibility, and institutional transparency paired with civic consciousness have transitioned from mere potential to a stage of execution. This government is leading a transitional period where South Korea rises to become a key country in global strategy and a central nation participating in the design of the world order, through clear direction and strong policy implementation.

In the Era of Complex Crises, Practicing the Great Power Model

As the world is going through a complex crisis of climate, technology, security, and economy, existing great powers are unable to respond to the crisis agilely, trapped in nationalism and self-interest. In contrast, the Yoon Seok-yeol government is putting into practice a Korean-style great power model through multi-dimensional policies such as proactive technology investment, regulatory innovation, a carbon transition roadmap, autonomous diplomatic strategies, and the establishment of AI governance. This signifies that it is not merely a 'strong country,' but rather a 'responsible nation' with a strategy and philosophy on 'how to wield power.'

Change in the Questions of Great Powers

Now, the Republic of Korea is no longer a 'country that can become' but a 'country that has already entered the ranks of great powers.' Therefore, our question must also change. From 'What should we do to become a great power?' to 'What should we do now that we have become a great power?' This shift in questioning symbolizes the moment when Korea must recognize the role it needs to play in the world and act upon the new responsibilities that come with it.

K-Democracy: Inner Order

K-style democracy, or K-democracy, is not merely a simple institutional form it is an advanced qualitative democracy based on digital technology and citizen participation. The spontaneity and collective intelligence revealed in the candlelight citizen movement, the participatory budget and legislative proposal systems through digital platforms, and the ongoing participatory structures like 'Democracy Seoul,' 'National Petition,' and 'Public Deliberation Committee' are paving a different path from the existing Western democratic models. However, at the same time, we face new challenges such as algorithmic bias, information disparity, and lack of deliberation. Therefore, K-democracy must now transition from 'participation' to 'fair deliberation' and from 'technology' to 'trust.' To achieve this, it is necessary to reorganize policies, including the institutionalization of digital deliberation mechanisms, fairness verification systems for platforms, and information literacy education, as these will serve as the key foundation for ensuring the sustainability of Korean political culture.

K Initiative: The Designers of the Extension

The essence of a great power lies not only in physical strength but also in the responsibility as a co-designer of the global order. The Lee Jae-myung government is leading global agendas such as multilateralism, climate crisis response, AI ethics, and development cooperation through a strategic framework called the 'K Initiative.' The K Initiative is designed based on Korea's internal experiences with digital democracy and a balanced model of industry-technology-welfare. Participation in AI ethics guidelines, discussions on digital taxation, and the expansion of ODA based on climate technology are not merely projections of influence but represent Korea's unique diplomatic strategy that emphasizes inclusivity and implementation. In particular, the transfer of digital governance systems to developing countries and the sharing of disaster response technologies demonstrate that Korea is evolving from a country that only exports technology to one that transmits philosophy and institutions as well.

The global role that South Korea must fulfill

International Norm Designer: It should take on the role of proposing new international standards in core areas such as digital democracy, AI ethics, and carbon neutrality, and institutionalizing them. Global Conflict Mediator: Based on the experience of the Korean Peninsula peace system, it should be able to present practical mediation proposals for East Asian and global conflicts. Climate Leader Nation: It should position itself as a 'climate powerhouse' in the international community by sharing climate technologies, investing in renewable energy, and supporting climate adaptation in developing countries. Social Policy Platform Designer: Based on the cases of K-Welfare, K-Health, and K-Education, it should provide policy models applicable to countries in the Global South. Technology Public Goods Provider: By designing in a way that does not monopolize super-gap technologies and allows all humanity to utilize them, it should establish itself as an ethical technology powerhouse.

Integrated Strategy: A Positive Cycle of Inner and Outer

K democracy and K initiative are not separate policies, but rather two wings for South Korea to secure sustainability as a great power. Internally, it aims to establish a flexible and stable political system through digital democracy, while externally, it projects its achievements onto the international order and proposes new norms. For this integrated strategy to function effectively, it is essential to reorganize government structures, enhance the transparency of policy information, build a network of citizens, experts, and diplomats, ensure algorithmic transparency, and globally standardize the operation of digital public spheres.

Ethical Question: True Powerhouse

Becoming a great power is not merely a sum of resources, but it raises ethical questions about how and for whom that power will be used. The Lee Jae-myung government has laid the groundwork for South Korea to take a leap as a 'respected great power,' and it has now entered a phase of using that power responsibly. K-democracy is the inner evidence of what kind of nation we have become, while K-initiatives are the external strategies for sharing those achievements with the world and fulfilling responsibilities. When these two axes align intricately, South Korea will transform beyond just being a strong nation into a 'trusted nation' that the entire world wants to engage with.