Lee Jae-myung "Ideology and camps don't put food on the table... Economic stability, recovery, and growth are urgent" (Comprehensive)

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 23rd, "The most urgent issue now is economic stability, recovery, and growth." Regarding his flagship pledge of a 'Basic Society,' he drew a line by stating, "At this moment, the process of creating is more important than the issue of sharing."

Lee held a New Year's press conference at the National Assembly that morning and said, "Pragmatism beyond ideology and factionalism is the driving force for overcoming crises and achieving growth and development." He emphasized, "Ideology and factions do not put food on the table. Whether black or white, a cat that catches mice well is a good cat," adding, "New growth will be the foundation of a 'true democratic republic' and a 'world where we live together.'"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a New Year's press conference at the National Assembly on the 23rd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

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As measures to restore the people's economy necessary for growth, Lee proposed four major points: △ shifting to an era of private sector-led government support △ advancement of the capital market △ creation of new growth engines such as artificial intelligence (AI), bio, and new drugs △ strengthening the Korea-US alliance with the Trump administration.

He explained, "We must shift from an era where the government decides everything to an era of 'private sector-led government support,'" adding, "The government should respect the expertise and creativity of the private sector and actively support companies struggling on the front lines of international competition." He stressed minimizing obstacles to corporate activities, such as switching to negative regulations in advanced fields.

He also argued, "This year should be the first year to resolve the K-discount through the advancement of the capital market," and "Our stock market must also have a transparent and reliable advanced system." He emphasized the need for innovation in abnormal governance structures that hinder efficient corporate management through amendments to the Commercial Act.

Lee said, "The state should expand its role in securing new growth engines such as the AI robot industry, bio, new drugs, and renewable energy sectors, and embark on expanding economic territory to pioneer emerging markets," adding, "In welcoming the Trump administration, we must further strengthen cooperation in key economic sectors such as semiconductors, batteries, and energy to establish ourselves as an unwavering trade and investment partner."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a New Year's press conference at the National Assembly on the 23rd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

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The background behind Lee placing 'growth' at the center instead of the distribution-focused 'Basic Society' pledge is interpreted as a strategy to secure centrist votes to overcome the recent decline in party approval ratings. Regarding the drop in approval ratings, Lee said, "It is the will of the people, so I can only accept it humbly," adding, "I think the people are demanding greater responsibility and role from the Democratic Party, as they expect President Yoon Seok-yeol to be arrested, detained, and impeached smoothly."

Regarding the recent unified message and issues such as the operation of the Democratic Police Station to counter fake news and the controversy over 'KakaoTalk censorship,' he said, "Freedom of expression should be broadly guaranteed," but emphasized, "The resource of extremist forces is precisely fake news. This is a serious crime that must be corrected."

On the criticism that the 'unipolar system' should be reflected upon, Lee said, "It is desirable to have diverse voices," adding, "Whether this is called a unipolar system or that the party is stably maintained depends on the perspective. The People Power Party is divided and internal conflicts are intensifying, which can also be a political phenomenon and may vary depending on the viewpoint."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is greeting ahead of the New Year's press conference held at the National Assembly on the 23rd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

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Lee raised his voice against Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, saying, "The current state administration is very abnormal."

Lee criticized, "(Acting Prime Minister Choi's) criteria for exercising authority are inconsistent. It is correct to appoint the constitutional court justice from the National Assembly's quota, but he only selects those he likes," adding, "Whether he likes it or not, requesting a permanent special prosecutor is a legal obligation, but he is not doing it even now."

He continued, "(Acting Prime Minister Choi) recklessly exercises authority favorable to himself and excessively uses veto power," and claimed, "He says the economy is very serious now but does not take the necessary measures for economic stability and instead takes actions that harm economic stability."

Specifically, he pointed out, "He practically acknowledges the need for a supplementary budget but refuses to implement it until the end," and "Although it appears to be a national unity cabinet in practice, if you look inside, it thoroughly supports and defends the forces causing internal unrest."

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