Yoon: "National Debt Reaches 1,000 Trillion Won... Fiscal Soundness Must Be Strengthened for Future Generations" (Update)

President Yoon Suk-yeol on the 18th ordered the government to strengthen fiscal soundness, strictly crack down on employment inheritance, gather public opinion on flexible working hours, strictly crack down on jeonse fraud, and take a comprehensive approach to drug crimes. These issues are directly related to the maintenance of the nation and community, as well as the lives of future generations, so the government must ensure they are properly addressed.

In his opening remarks at the Cabinet meeting held at the Yongsan Presidential Office that morning, President Yoon stated, "Strengthening fiscal soundness is essential for the sustainability of our community and for future generations."

He emphasized the need to reject populism, noting that the national debt exceeded 1,000 trillion won for the first time according to the government's 2022 settlement results.

Regarding this, President Yoon said, "The debt accumulated over 70 years since the establishment of the government was about 600 trillion won, but an additional 400 trillion won was added during the previous administration. The interest on the national debt alone will exceed 100 trillion won over the next four years, including 25 trillion won this year," and pointed out, "Passing on unbearable pain to future generations through reckless spending is exploitation of future generations."

He then urged, "Each minister should keep this in mind and clearly prioritize future fiscal expenditures to ensure that the people's tax money is not wasted." He also added that in-depth discussions should be held on the fiscal rules bill submitted to the National Assembly last year.

Regarding the so-called employment inheritance, a clause maintained by some companies that gives priority to hiring employees' children, he said, "It is an unfair vested interest inheritance that violates the spirit of our Constitution and deprives future generations of opportunities," and instructed, "Related cabinet members should do their best to break down vested interest inheritance that violates the Constitution."

On the flexibility of working hours, he said, "The government is currently conducting extensive public opinion gathering through one-on-one face-to-face surveys, FGIs, and sample opinion polls," promising representativeness and objectivity of the surveys. President Yoon especially promised to disclose not only the methods but also the process and results of the surveys in detail to the public for their understanding.

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He emphasized that jeonse fraud is a typical crime targeting the vulnerable and that the youth and future generations are victims, requiring the government's continuous monitoring. Regarding this, President Yoon instructed, "Even if there are no reports of damage, proactively investigate whether there are any blind spots in support and provide outreach support services."

He also reiterated the strict crackdown on drug crimes. According to the government, the number of drug offenders is expected to exceed 20,000 for the first time this year, increasing by more than 30% compared to last year. President Yoon mentioned, "Teenagers are involved in drug smuggling and distribution organizations, and there was even a case where 390,000 doses of drugs were distributed via Telegram, the dark web, and virtual currency. There was even an incident where 100,000 doses of drugs were brazenly smuggled along with firearms in moving cargo."

He continued, "At some point, due to government authorities' neglect, drugs have not only devastated the health and minds of the people but also destroyed the dreams and hopes of youth," and stressed, "A comprehensive government response is strongly required together with investigative and judicial authorities. Let us all unite to eradicate drug crimes that are eating away at the nation."

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