Ahead of First Anniversary, Lee Says "No Magic Bullet... Must Achieve Tangible Results That Change People's Lives"

President Lee Presides Over Cabinet Meeting on the 20th

"Policy Success Is Measured by Real Changes in People's Lives"

"Proactive Administration Needed to Steadily Accumulate Small Achievements"

Refers to the May 18 Spirit: "Leap Forw

On the 20th, President Lee Jaemyung, ahead of the first anniversary of the administration's launch, stated, "To bring about greater and more tangible changes to the lives of our people, it is time to remind ourselves of our original intentions and renew our commitment to public service."

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Cabinet Meeting and Emergency Economic Inspection Meeting held at the Blue House on the 20th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In his opening remarks at the 22nd Cabinet Meeting combined with the 9th Emergency Economic Inspection Meeting held at the Blue House on this day, President Lee said, "The greatest goal of state affairs is to substantially improve the lives of the people," making these comments.

President Lee remarked, "The success or failure of policies is evaluated by whether and to what extent they bring real change to the lives of the people," adding, "In two weeks, our administration will mark its first anniversary." He continued, "Although we started the administration with urgent tasks amid challenging domestic and international circumstances, I am proud to say that, thanks to the support of the people and the dedication of many public officials, we have managed to overcome many critical moments."

President Lee emphasized 'tangible results felt by the people' as the core task for the remainder of his term. He said, "We must continue our efforts to steadily accumulate many small achievements that the people can truly feel through proactive and active administration," and reiterated, "As I often say, there is no magic bullet."

He further stated, "We must always focus not simply on what projects were undertaken or planned, but on how the outcomes of those policies have changed the lives of the people." President Lee also requested, "Please do not hesitate to reward and encourage public officials who have contributed to improving the lives of the people."

In addition, President Lee referenced the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement, saying, "The May 18 Democratization Movement, which ushered in the dawn of democracy in Korea, marked its 46th anniversary the day before yesterday." He continued, "The courage and spirit of solidarity shown in Gwangju in May—sharing rice balls and protecting one another despite the brutal suppression by martial law forces—have become the noble roots that have spread democracy in our society." He added, "Because of that strength, two years ago in the winter, we were able to drive out the pitch-black darkness of insurrection and confidently begin a new chapter in the history of popular sovereignty."

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Cabinet meeting combined with the Emergency Economic Inspection meeting held at the Blue House on the 20th. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee also assessed that Korean society is once again facing structural challenges. He said, "We are simultaneously confronted by structural crisis factors such as weakening growth engines, deepening polarization, the reorganization of the international order, demographic issues, and the risk of regional extinction." However, President Lee added, "Because there have always been citizens who, undaunted by severe ordeals, joined hands firmly to achieve both industrialization and democratization, tirelessly forging a path of hope, today's crisis will ultimately be transformed into an opportunity for the future."

President Lee said, "I ask everyone, transcending political camps, regions, and generations, to join forces for greater integration and stronger solidarity so that we can leap forward as a global superpower with unparalleled competitiveness and truly change the lives of our people." He added, "Together with all citizens, I will steadfastly lead the way in pioneering this path."

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