President Yoon Starts with 'Prices'... Promises 'Strengthened Communication' by Attending to Secretary Office and Press Room

Yoon: "People's backs are bent and struggling"... "The economy felt by the people is very difficult"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] President Yoon Suk-yeol's first week in office began and ended with managing the cost of living and the economy affecting people's livelihoods. At the first Chief Secretary meeting held on the morning of the 11th, President Yoon said, "The biggest problem is inflation. People are struggling under heavy financial burdens and hardships," and instructed to identify the causes of rising prices and continuously consider measures to curb them accordingly.

Two days later, his first on-site visit also involved directly checking the macroeconomic situation. This was in response to abnormal signals detected in various external economic conditions, such as the rapid rise in exchange rates and prices. At the International Financial Center in Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, he held a 'Macroeconomic and Financial Situation Review Meeting' with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho, Bank of Korea Governor Lee Chang-yong, and others, engaging in in-depth discussions on the global economic and financial market situation and proactive response measures.

This meeting was arranged to assess the warning signs in the macroeconomy as the recent consumer price inflation rate neared 5% and the pace of domestic and international interest rate hikes accelerated. It was also the reason why the Bank of Korea Governor attended a presidential meeting for the first time in over two years. President Yoon also diagnosed, "The recent domestic and international economic conditions are rapidly changing. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chain disruptions, rising prices, and monetary policy responses by various countries are increasing volatility in financial and foreign exchange markets, and the trade deficit and real economy slowdown continue."

President Yoon emphasized, "Although a supplementary budget for full compensation of losses to small business owners and stabilization of livelihoods has been prepared, the economy that people actually feel is very difficult." He added, "To accurately diagnose the problem, we need to always have a mindset of finding answers on the ground," and said, "The economy is right there in the lives of the people, on the ground. The new government will find answers on-site and continuously communicate with private experts to create better policies."

While focusing policy efforts on managing the livelihood economy, President Yoon also personally checked the Yongsan Government Complex, where construction is not yet complete due to the presidential office relocation, and took care of the staff. Visiting the General Affairs Secretary Office and the Cybersecurity Secretary Office, he encouraged the employees by saying, "Let's work comfortably," and "Even if it's still insufficient, since we are moving floors and will improve the facilities, please bear with it for a while."

He also showed interest in the fact that most desks inside the offices of the Public Service Discipline Secretary, National Affairs Secretary, and Economic Secretary were arranged in a grid pattern facing one direction. President Yoon asked, "Why are all the secretary offices' desks facing one direction?" He said, "Even if it's a bit inconvenient, we will move everything. Work should be comfortable, and I feel sorry for making you work under difficult conditions. Let's endure a little and work hard together."

He made a surprise visit to the press room in the government complex. There, President Yoon promised to strengthen communication, saying, "I will come often so that the public does not forget." When asked by reporters how often he would visit, he replied, "I will come often. Today, I came to see once and hear if there are any inconveniences." After stepping onto the briefing stage, he stated, "In the future, not only the spokesperson but also each chief and responsible secretary will come here to communicate whenever there are issues related to their duties," and added, "Since it has not been long since we started, let's not rush and build a good system."

The presidential office plans to complete the interior construction of the former Ministry of National Defense building as quickly as possible to create an efficient working environment. Currently, construction is still ongoing on the floors above the 2nd floor, where the presidential office is located. In the future, the presidential office will occupy the 2nd and 5th floors, the Chief Secretary offices will be on the 3rd floor, and the secretarial staff and joint public-private committee members will use floors 4 through 10.

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