Han Deok-su: "Government Must Deliver... Labor Reform Must Succeed"

January 2 Seoul Government Complex New Year's Ceremony Greeting
"Deep Condolences to Bereaved Families of Itaewon Tragedy"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasized that he will "fully promote the three major reforms (labor, education, pension) and the three major innovations (finance, services, public sector), and especially ensure the success of labor reform."

On the 2nd, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated this during his New Year's address at the government office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, saying, "Our labor market competitiveness remains at the lowest level globally and is failing to keep up with the changes brought by the Fourth Industrial Revolution." This remark came as he explained "sustainable growth and future preparedness."

Prime Minister Han said, "Above all, we intend to accelerate structural reforms to improve productivity and enhance efficiency," and pointed out, "Securing labor market flexibility and advancing labor-management culture are extremely urgent." He added, "We will promptly prepare concrete implementation plans and build national consensus through diverse communication and dialogue."

He also stated, "We will build a safe and dignified Republic of Korea." Prime Minister Han said, "We will strengthen tailored support so that future generations and youth can challenge themselves freely and expand opportunities for policy participation," and pledged, "We will eradicate serious social crimes such as drugs and stalking and eliminate corruption and deep-rooted evils throughout society."

Before revealing the government's aspirations for this year, Prime Minister Han expressed condolences to the citizens and bereaved families who died in disasters such as the Itaewon tragedy. He said, "Following the heavy rains concentrated in the metropolitan area and Typhoon Hinnamnor, we experienced the indescribable tragedy of the Itaewon disaster," and stated, "As the Prime Minister responsible for the Cabinet, I express my deep regret." He promised, "The government will do its utmost to uncover the truth and create a safer Republic of Korea."

Regarding the livelihood economy, he proposed, "Due to the impact of monetary tightening to ease inflationary pressures, difficulties in the real economy are expected to intensify," and said, "We will reduce the burden on vulnerable groups who suffer the most from high prices and high interest rates and actively support small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners to recover." Regarding the real estate market, he mentioned, "We will stabilize the market through the smooth implementation of supply measures and rationalization of regulations."

He continued, "We will open an era of balanced growth in local regions," explaining, "The government will strive for the relocation of public institutions and companies to local areas and the development of infrastructure such as opportunity development zones." He also added that bold decentralization of authority to local governments will be pursued.

Prime Minister Han also said, "We will leap forward as a global pivotal country that fulfills its responsibilities and roles in the international community," and stated, "We will actively participate in addressing global issues including the climate crisis and digital divide." He urged the public service sector to "respond sensitively to changes in the international situation."

He concluded his remarks by saying, "We must boldly innovate outdated practices and privileges and become a government that accomplishes what must be done through the participation and cooperation of the people," and added, "Like a rabbit that listens well and sees well, let us all work wisely and flexibly."

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