President Lee: "Korea, with Its Heavy Reliance on Manufacturing, Must Pursue Bold Innovation for National Survival"

President Lee Jae-myung, on April 16, referenced the prolonged Middle East war and the decline of the global free trade order, stating, "Given our high reliance on manufacturing, we must embark on bold innovation as a matter of national destiny." He particularly emphasized the need to accelerate industrial transformation beyond merely responding to crises, mentioning the establishment of an AI-based manufacturing ecosystem, the creation of initial demand through public procurement, and the launch of a Korean sovereign wealth fund.

At the 30th Senior Presidential Secretary Meeting held at the Blue House on the same day, President Lee said, "With the retreat of the free trade order and intensifying geopolitical risks, the global industrial and trade order is at a significant turning point." Regarding the Middle East war, now in its seventh week, he noted, "Supply chain risks could rapidly expand throughout the manufacturing sector," and instructed, "We must further tighten our emergency response system and make every effort to secure additional crude oil and essential raw materials."

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Senior Presidential Secretary Meeting held at the Blue House on April 16, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

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He went on to highlight that the Blue House and the government have secured alternative supply lines for 273 million barrels of crude oil and 2.1 million tons of naphtha from four countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, assessing, "This will greatly help stabilize domestic supply and minimize economic and industrial losses." He also praised Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary, who led the negotiations, saying, "You worked hard. You probably haven't had much sleep, but you achieved great results and deserve commendation." He further urged the government and Blue House staff to "promptly proceed with follow-up discussions and the necessary procedures so that the secured volumes can be quickly brought into the country."

President Lee also delivered a message that the diplomatic approach should be reestablished in light of the Middle East crisis. He stated, "The Republic of Korea has risen to the ranks of leading nations that the world is watching," and emphasized, "We have an undeniable responsibility to uphold universal values such as world peace, international norms, and human rights, and we can no longer ignore or avoid them." He continued, "We must steadily build trust and respect from the people of other countries to achieve greater national interests in the long run," and stressed, "We must confidently fulfill our duties as a responsible global leader, thereby enhancing our national prestige and protecting our interests."

With regard to industrial policy, President Lee provided more concrete directives. He stated, "We must focus on protecting advanced technology and talent as matters of national security, and the government should take the lead in generating demand for innovative products through public procurement." He also urged, "We must spare no effort in driving innovation in regional manufacturing capabilities, establishing an AI-based manufacturing ecosystem, and creating a Korean-style sovereign wealth fund to secure stable manufacturing sovereignty."

This is interpreted as a call to establish a national-level system of industrial investment and protection in the face of supply chain restructuring and intensifying technological competition, rather than limiting measures to short-term crisis response. Since the president directly mentioned the launch of a Korean sovereign wealth fund, related discussions among the ministries of finance, industry, and financial authorities are expected to accelerate. In this context, President Lee reiterated, "Now we need not only the ability to endure and overcome crises, but also the capability and determination to turn those crises into opportunities."

He also addressed safety issues, marking the 12th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster. President Lee expressed, "I pray for the souls of the victims and offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and survivors," and stressed, "We must eradicate the misguided perception that prioritizes cost over safety and profit over life." He added, "We must firmly establish a social culture that values life over money," and promised, "As the head of state, I will do my utmost to ensure that the lives and safety of the people are never again threatened due to lack of funds or government absence."

Meanwhile, on the evening of April 15, President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung visited CGV Yongsan in Seoul to watch the film "My Name Is," which addresses the pain, reconciliation, and historical tasks surrounding the Jeju 4·3 Incident. A total of 165 general audience members, selected by lottery from those who applied via the president's social media, attended the screening. Entering the theater to applause and cheers, President Lee and Mrs. Kim shook hands with each attendee. President Lee also asked Director Jung Ji-young, who was seated beside him, how many theaters had been secured for the screening. Even after the 113-minute film ended, the presidential couple stayed through the end credits, which were filled with the names of numerous supporters who contributed to the production.

President Lee stated that damages caused by state violence are tantamount to massacres and asserted that, if inherited property exists, civil liability should be imposed on descendants for generations, and there should be no statute of limitations for criminal responsibility. He encouraged many people to watch the film, saying it would help restore humanity and create a better world.

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