One month since President Lee Jae-myung's inauguration, first press conference - Summary of the entire content

Will for restoring people's livelihoods and normalizing the economy

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized from the beginning of his remarks that prioritizing the people's livelihoods is of utmost importance. Immediately after taking office, the president activated an emergency economic monitoring system as his first directive, explaining that it allows for daily analysis of economic conditions and strengthens policy responses. He specifically mentioned that a supplementary budget plan totaling 30.5 trillion won has been organized to recover consumer spending and stimulate the economy. This supplementary budget includes recovery support funds in the form of local currency, measures to alleviate the burden of high interest rates, emergency financial assistance, and budget allocations for coupons to boost local consumption. In response to questions about the support fund policy, the president stated his clear position. He noted that past experiments with local currencies have confirmed their effectiveness in promoting consumption, and explained that focusing support on low-income groups can simultaneously trigger consumption and redistribute income. However, he displayed a cautious attitude regarding the possibility of additional payments, stating that such decisions would be made after closely examining fiscal conditions and the economic situation. Additionally, in response to questions about the possibility of reducing working hours and introducing a 4.5-day workweek, he acknowledged it as a trend of the times but asserted that immediate legalization would be difficult and that social discussions and agreements must precede such changes.

Firm commitment to just integration and prosecutorial reform

President Lee Jae-myung emphasized integration while clearly stating the premise of just integration. He stressed the need to restore constitutional order and establish the rule of law through the launch of a special investigation into the conspiracy to commit a rebellion. This is not merely a political retaliation but stems from the recognition of realizing justice for national integration. In response to questions about judicial reform, the president articulated a clear direction. He stated that the separation of investigation and prosecution is a system adopted by many advanced countries and emphasized that our country also has the principle that this should ultimately be separated. However, to minimize conflicts and side effects during the legislative process, the government will diligently fulfill its role as a mediator and emphasized that it will work with the National Assembly to institutionalize these changes.

Foreign Affairs and Security: Practical-Centered Diplomatic Strategy and Vision for Peace

President Lee Jae-myung has stated that he considers practicality and balance as core values in the field of diplomacy. He emphasized that his attendance at the G7 summit shortly after taking office and the announcement of the Democratic Korean Declaration were efforts to restore Korea's national dignity and status. In the context of Korea-U.S. trade negotiations, he is pursuing mutually beneficial outcomes rather than making concessions without principles, declaring that negotiations centered on national interests are important, even if they are not concluded before July 8. Regarding Korea-Japan relations, he expressed a realistic stance, insisting that historical issues and practical cooperation should be approached separately. He pledged to inherit the spirit of the Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Joint Declaration and expressed his intention to restore shuttle diplomacy and promote cultural exchanges. In terms of North Korean policy, the president declared his commitment to seek peaceful coexistence while discouraging absorption unification. He has taken measures to ease tensions, such as suspending broadcasts to North Korea, and indicated that in the future, he aims to restore a virtuous cycle structure of economy and peace. He proposed that strong national defense is a prerequisite and that practical peace strategies should include simultaneous inter-Korean dialogue and humanitarian exchanges.

Democracy Based on Regional Balance and Citizen Participation

President Lee Jae-myung expressed a strong commitment to resolving the concentration of population in the Seoul metropolitan area and promoting balanced regional development during this press conference. He proposed various regional-led policies, including weighted policies for population-declining areas, basic income experiments for rural areas, plans for the second relocation of public institutions, and the establishment of an aerospace agency. Notably, he announced a mid-to-long-term plan to foster five mega cities, including Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam, Chungcheong, Honam, and Daegu-Gyeongbuk, through the "Five Extremes and Three Special Zones" concept, with the goal of promoting national balanced development by designating three specialized zones. He emphasized the need for bold investment in regional hub universities with the expression of creating ten Seoul National Universities and stated that he aims to create an ecosystem where talented individuals can settle in the regions by strengthening education and research infrastructure. Additionally, systems to enhance direct communication with the public gained attention, such as the public recommendation system, public mailbox, and town hall meetings. The president emphasized that politics is a tool for changing the lives of the people and that expanding the foundation of direct democracy is the essence of politics.

A cautious approach to social conflict and human rights

The President has maintained a cautious attitude towards socially sensitive issues. In particular, regarding human rights-related issues such as anti-discrimination laws and living partner laws, he stated that contentious agendas need to go through sufficient social discussion and public discourse. President Lee Jae-myung acknowledged the protection of minorities and the guarantee of human rights as important national duties, while also explaining that he prioritizes people's livelihoods and the economy as the main tasks. Efforts to resolve legislative conflicts are also ongoing. He expressed intentions to swiftly finalize the appointment of the Minister of Health and Welfare and to promote various forms of dialogue for the normalization of medical schools starting from the second semester. He conveyed the message that reducing distrust and restoring trust is the beginning of the solution.

Conclusion: The First Step Towards Opening the Door to a New Politics

The press conference held 30 days after President Lee Jae-myung's inauguration carries significant meaning both in content and format. First, it was a new attempt at practical politics in that it intertwined policy-centered performance reports and communication with the public on a single stage. Second, by openly expressing his stance on key issues through free questioning with reporters, he demonstrated responsible leadership. Third, it revealed the philosophical foundation of governance by clearly asserting an unwavering commitment to justice and reform under the principles of cooperation and integration. President Lee Jae-myung stated that politics is a tool for changing the lives of the people and that proving substantial change is the responsibility of politics. The press conference was a moment to confirm the sincerity of that statement. Of course, there is a long way to go and many obstacles to overcome. However, if the first button is fastened well, the garment of governance will not get tangled. It remains to be seen whether the direction of change the Lee Jae-myung administration will show can bring real hope and stability to the people.