Prime Minister Kim: "Government Policies Focus on Vulnerable Groups... Ensuring 'Inclusive Recovery'"

2022 Government New Year's Ceremony... Urging 'Political Neutrality of Public Officials' Ahead of the Presidential Election

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum Photo by Yonhap News

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on the 3rd, "For the socially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, government policies and the dedication of public officials are the last hope they can rely on," adding, "We must focus government policies on these groups so that they are not left out and can rise together during the (COVID-19 crisis) recovery process by looking more broadly and providing more thorough and substantial support than ever before."

In his greeting at the '2022 Government New Year's Ceremony' held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the morning of the same day, Prime Minister Kim said, "Please make every effort to achieve an 'inclusive recovery' from COVID-19." In particular, he expressed concern about the socially vulnerable groups as well as small business owners and self-employed individuals who have been severely affected by quarantine measures due to the COVID-19 situation, saying, "The difficulties are beyond words," and emphasized, "Extraordinary situations require extraordinary measures and actions."

Along with this, Prime Minister Kim urged a transformation into an 'innovative government,' stating, "Due to the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, 'contactless and digital' and 'eco-friendly and low-carbon' economies have become the reality we face," and requested, "Do not wait for private sector requests to discover new technologies and new industries such as startup support and regulatory sandboxes; find more proactive and innovative methods." He added, "Boldly reform the outdated supplier-centered public contest projects and shift the business model to focus on 'demanders, field, and rationality' through communication with the private sector and local communities."

He also expressed concern, saying, "The uncertainty of the international situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula affects not only diplomacy but also industry and the overall economy," and warned, "Just like last year's 'urea solution crisis,' the butterfly effect of international conflicts can directly impact our people's livelihoods." He then urged public officials, "Carefully examine the impact of rapidly changing international situations on our community and respond one step ahead."

Lastly, with the presidential election scheduled for March, Prime Minister Kim repeatedly urged public officials to maintain 'political neutrality.' He said, "Public officials are servants of the people and must comply with the obligation of political neutrality as servants to the entire nation," and requested, "Please refrain from actions that could cause misunderstandings ahead of the election."

Prime Minister Kim concluded his remarks by encouraging, "Let us make this year the first year of complete recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and the transition to a leading economy beyond mere catch-up based on public trust," and added, "When our descendants look back on history far in the future, let us create the future of the Republic of Korea together so that we can be remembered as proud senior public officials who turned crisis into opportunity."

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