Mun, One Step Behind in North America... Taking a Step Ahead in Building Inter-Korean Relations?

Blue House New Year's Address, Mention of Kim Jong-un's Return Visit... Also Expresses Determination for National Policy Drive Including 'War on Real Estate Speculation'

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "There are things that can be done through cooperation between the South and the North."

President Moon Jae-in's mention of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's 'reciprocal visit' in his New Year's address on the 7th of the Year of the Rat (Gyeongja Year) is linked to the role theory of the so-called 'facilitator role.' Although talks between North Korea and the United States have stalled, creating turbulence in the situation on the Korean Peninsula, President Moon's statement signifies his commitment to making every effort necessary to find a solution.

It is noteworthy that President Moon's proposal for Kim Jong-un's reciprocal visit is the first since the September 19, 2018 Pyongyang Joint Declaration. He emphasized that the reciprocal visit by Kim Jong-un can only be realized through joint efforts by the South and the North.

On the 7th, citizens are watching President Moon Jae-in's New Year's address in the Seoul Station waiting room. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Specifically, he proposed cooperation plans for the inter-Korean border area. He highlighted the special symbolism of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in terms of ecology, history, and inter-Korean reconciliation and peace. The mention of joint UNESCO World Heritage registration, the reopening of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, and the resumption of Mount Kumgang tourism are also points of interest.

The Blue House agonized until the last moment while preparing the keywords for the New Year's address, considering that a concrete message from the president could be burdensome without a prior response from North Korea. However, the reality that they cannot simply wait, given external variables such as the U.S. presidential election, was reflected in the New Year's address.

The core keyword of President Moon's New Year's address is definite change. The specific content related to the keywords emphasized at the joint government New Year's meeting on January 2nd of the Year of the Rat was included in this address. The address, delivered via live TV broadcast for about 30 minutes starting at 9:30 a.m., is also related to the uniqueness of 2020.

President Moon has already passed the midpoint of his term and will enter his fourth year in May. This year, he must bring about definite changes that the public can feel to lay the foundation for a successful government. President Moon said, "I will ensure that the people can feel definite changes in inclusion, innovation, and fairness."

On the 7th, citizens are watching President Moon Jae-in's New Year's address in the Seoul Station waiting room. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

A notable part of President Moon's New Year's address is the announcement of changes to the minimum wage determination system in 2021. The plan to create social compromises over conflicts of interest in new industries through a customized adjustment body is interpreted as proposing a tailored adjustment mechanism as a solution to the sharing economy, such as 'Tada.'

Although President Moon emphasized achievements in the economy and jobs in his address, there is criticism that it amounts to a 'list of figures' that does not feel like definite change to the public, as he himself mentioned. This means that rather than self-praise, the government must lead improvements in the quality of life that people directly experience.

However, regarding real estate policy, he drew attention by expressing a strong regulatory will, even using the phrase 'war against speculation.' President Moon emphasized, "The government's will for market stability, protection of actual buyers, and suppression of speculation is firm," and added, "We will never lose the war against real estate speculation." Although the real estate policy section is brief, the warning was very strong. It can be read as a willingness to introduce even stronger regulatory measures if housing price instability continues.

It is also worth noting President Moon's statement, "We will do our utmost to create a better corporate investment environment." While he pledged to launch a large-scale investment project worth 100 trillion won, only about 10 trillion won has actually been confirmed. This means there is still a long way to go for President Moon's vision to materialize. Additionally, there is criticism that there is no concrete promise regarding the bold regulatory reforms that companies expect.

On the 7th, citizens are watching President Moon Jae-in's New Year's address in the Seoul Station waiting room. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

The appearance of 'fairness' as a core keyword in President Moon's New Year's address is also a subject of interest. He mentioned the passage of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency (HOCI) establishment bill in the National Assembly and stressed the need to adjust investigative authority between the prosecution and the police. This conveys the message that a foundation for reforming power institutions must be established to achieve a more just society.

President Moon's assertion that "no power institution should be evaluated as an agency separate from the people" is interpreted by some as a warning message aimed at the prosecution. It means that the prosecution must shed its anti-reform image and actively join the front line of reform.

While President Moon emphasized the spirit of the candlelight protests and mentioned 'coexistence' and 'national unity,' there are also predictions that the seeds of conflict in 2020 may spread further. With the 21st general election scheduled for April 15 approaching, the sharp confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties continues. What President Moon wants to emphasize is a leap forward through coexistence.

President Moon said, "We are now starting a new 100 years. Based on 'innovation,' 'inclusion,' 'fairness,' and 'peace,' we will take one step closer to a 'country where we all prosper together' and a 'peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula.' We will work harder to make our lives better."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.