What Lee pledged to do as president
Global economic power
Lee Jae-myung, who claimed victory with the highest number of votes in South Korea's history, pledged to transform the country into a top-tier economic powerhouse by heavily investing in future industries, particularly artificial intelligence and cultural exports.
He plans to boost national AI competitiveness by providing infrastructure such as data centers, increased public-private funding and regulatory reforms.
He said he would work to support Korea's content industries and those related to arts and culture, which he said could generate a total of 300 trillion won ($218 billion) in sales annually and 50 trillion won in exports by 2030.
Key industries, including defense and strategic technology, will see tax incentives and targeted research and development, while food tech and green bio innovations will reshape agriculture into a smart and sustainable sector.
Strengthening democracy
Lee promised robust reforms to restore democratic order after the December 2024 martial law crisis. These include reinforcing civilian control over military powers, reducing the president's martial law authority and ending political retaliation practices.
He aims to improve transparency in institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission and the Board of Audit. Judiciary and prosecution reforms include separating investigative and prosecutorial powers, expanding public legal access and introducing faster, more open trials.
A key goal is to build an accountable, rights-respecting democracy anchored in public trust, he said.
Revitalizing households
Lee's third pledge focuses on easing household debt, supporting small business recovery and building a fair economic system.
He proposed comprehensive debt restructuring for those affected by COVID-19 and martial law, as well as expanded financial support for small merchants.
Measures include rent transparency, fee reductions, and local economic revitalization through digital and regional support. Lee also aims to curb predatory lending, reform housing policies to reduce rental fraud and burdens, regulate platform economy commissions and improve financial consumer protection.
Corporate reform will target unfair practices, market manipulation and ensure shareholder rights.
Practical foreign, security policy
Lee vowed to pursue pragmatic diplomacy tailored to changing global dynamics. His administration will strengthen economic security, diversify trade and diplomatic ties —especially with the G20 and EU — and reform export strategies.
Inter-Korean peace efforts will resume, with an emphasis on denuclearization and military tension reduction. Lee supports maintaining a strong US alliance while advocating for wartime operational control return.
Additional policies include climate diplomacy, diaspora protection and supply chain safeguards. A broader diplomatic footprint will be realized through the upcoming APEC event in Gyeongju, strengthening ties with major countries in economic security.
National safety and public health
To ensure public safety, Lee proposed strengthening crime prevention, disaster response and medical access. Measures include cracking down on violent crime, expanding victim protection, and improving traffic, construction and aviation safety.
On health care, Lee aims to resolve medical service gaps through better compensation, workforce expansion and a nationalized emergency response system. He supports telemedicine and improved care access for older adults and vulnerable individuals. A public dialogue-based health reform committee is suggested to address system sustainability and reduce insurance burdens, while reinforcing public trust in medical institutions.
Sejong, regional empowerment
Lee pledges to complete Sejong's status as the administrative capital by building a National Assembly annex and presidential office in the city, which is about 110 kilometers south of Seoul.
Lee said he would push for the complete relocation of these institutions in the long term and make Sejong the nation's official capital.
He will decentralize national growth through the '5 Megaregions and 3 Special Autonomous Provinces' strategy, boosting infrastructure and local autonomy.
The plan includes expanding regional rail networks, encouraging strategic industries in each region and easing dominance focused on capital-region universities.
A labor-respecting society
Lee commits to building a society where all workers' rights are protected, whether regular employees, freelancers or platform laborers.
Legislative changes will guarantee union rights for subcontractors and improve wage fairness via an earnings distribution system.
Occupational safety, particularly for high-risk jobs, will be a priority, along with broader workers' compensation coverage. Gender equality in public institutions and reduced working hours to 4.5 working days a week are also on the agenda.
Rights of workers in cultural sectors and disability access laws will be reinforced to foster an inclusive, fair labor environment that values human dignity.
A country where all generations thrive
To ensure a dignified life across all generations, Lee pledged to expand income support systems, ease living costs and strengthen welfare.
He said he will raise the child funding age to 18, expand housing and tax benefits, and increase access to caregiving services, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Educational equity will be pursued through stronger public schooling and reduced private tutoring reliance. For youth, housing aid, job training and savings programs will be expanded. Measures for rural, single-person and single-parent households also aim to create a more equitable and secure society.
Overcoming low birthrate, aging
To tackle Korea's demographic crisis, Lee proposed boosting birth rates and care for older adults through targeted welfare. Policies include increased child care tax credits, subsidies for extracurricular activities and special housing for newlyweds.
He promised that public day care and after-school programs will be expanded, and disability-inclusive care systems will be established.
For aging populations, the government will support senior-friendly housing, improve dementia care and expand community-based medical services
He also proposed aligning retirement and pension eligibility through expanding retirement age and reforming the housing and pension system to guarantee income security in the later phase of life.
Active climate response
Lee pledged aggressive action on climate change through carbon reduction and green energy expansion. South Korea will set ambitious emission targets and revise its Carbon Neutrality Framework Act.
He aims to shut down coal plants by 2040, expand solar and wind power, and invest in smart grids and energy highways. Industries will receive support to transition to low-carbon practices, with incentives for clean tech innovation.
Other initiatives include green remodeling, EV adoption and eco-friendly agriculture. Biodiversity restoration and plastic reduction will also be prioritized, alongside plans for a 'just transition' in vulnerable communities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
7 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Turkey seeks renewable energy cooperation with Korea
Turkey is seeking cooperation with South Korea in renewable energy, said Zeynel Kilinc, vice president of Turkey's investment office in Seoul, speaking at an event on Tuesday. Kilinc highlighted the need for joint ventures and green technology partnerships with Korea, calling the country one of Turkey's most trusted partners. He noted that 420 Korean companies operate in Turkey in the automotive, steel and energy sectors, but said collaboration remains limited, urging joint efforts as both nations rely heavily on energy imports. 'The energy industry has great potential for collaboration. Both countries desperately need to diversify their sources of energy,' Kilinc stated. 'Your (Korean) expertise in areas like equipment manufacturing, renewable and conventional power plants, and battery storage perfectly complements Turkey's ambitions,' he said. 'Together, we can create solutions that serve our countries and contribute to the global green transition.' Kilinc said over 45 percent of his country's electricity came from renewables in 2024, with nearly 60 percent of total electricity generation capacity now green. Aiming for 190 GW of installed capacity by 2035 and net zero by 2055, Turkey is also emerging as a global green manufacturing hub, exporting to 45 countries. In a press release, the Turkish Embassy in Seoul reiterated the country's green energy transformation as part of its obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement and as a candidate country for EU membership. The embassy said that the country has launched the "Renewable Energy Road Map 2035" to guide its clean energy goals. With over 60 percent of its 115 GW capacity from renewables, Turkey ranks fifth in Europe and aims to reach 120 GW in solar and wind capacity by 2035 through $108 billion in planned investments, according to the embassy. sanjaykumar@
Korea Herald
7 hours ago
- Korea Herald
South Korea crucial for Georgian wine: deputy minister
Trade deal to serve as catalyst in deepening Georgia–Korea economic ties, says Georgian deputy environment minister The southeastern European country of Georgia views South Korea as a strategic market for wine exports, ranking just behind the US in attractiveness, according to the country's Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Solomon Pavliashvili, in an interview with The Korea Herald on Thursday. According to Pavliashvili, wine imports to Korea are growing at a steady 6 to 7 percent annually, with Georgia exporting 72,584 liters in 2024 — a 26 percent rise from 2023 —earning $335,000. The most popular Georgian wines in Korea are red semisweet varieties, with over 32,000 bottles in 2024, followed by dry red (19,582 bottles) and dry white wines (15,096 bottles), Pavliashvili told The Korea Herald. 'Korea has become one of the most vital countries for popularizing Georgian wine,' said Pavliashvili, referring to the attendance of the National Wine Agency in Korea since 2019. He described wine as a vital element of Georgian identity and culture with deep roots in traditions such as the Supra feast, hospitality and ancient heritage. Supra is a traditional Georgian communal feast celebrating local values and human connection. Georgia recognizes the feast as an intangible cultural heritage. The number of Georgian wine producers involved increased from 15 to 20, said Solomon, citing South Korea as a vital market for Georgian wine and the Korea-Georgia free trade agreement under discussion as a key driver of future growth. 'This agreement is a catalyst for strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties. It offers a clear institutional framework for cooperation across sectors,' he said. According to the deputy minister, once implemented, the Korea-Georgia trade deal will grant 86.8 percent of Georgian goods immediate duty-free access to Korea, rising to 93.3 percent over 10 years, while 90.6 percent of Korean products will enter Georgia duty-free, increasing to 92.6 percent in the same period. 'Notably, Georgia will be the first country for which Korea has set only a 10-year transition period, rather than its usual 20 years,' he pointed out. Pavliashvili also highlighted the benefits for key Georgian export items, including wine, ethyl alcohol, beer, mineral water, canned fruits and vegetables, as well as beverages, which will fall under immediate tariff-free access. Industrial goods such as textiles will also benefit, with full tariff elimination after the transition period. 'Korea's market has opened almost completely to products that Georgia currently produces and may produce in the future,' he explained. On the other hand, Korea will be able to export cars, cosmetics, pasta, canned goods and baby food to Georgia duty-free under the agreement. Beyond goods, the free trade agreement will also include services, investments, intellectual property, digital trade, customs and technical regulations. 'Negotiations are progressing well at the governmental level, and I am confident that we will soon conclude an agreement that will significantly deepen trade between our two nations,' Pavliashvili said. 'Geopolitical uncertainties have affected global wine markets, including ours. But we are intensifying our marketing efforts every year to sustain and grow the winemaking sector. 'The strong presence of Korean consumers and potential partners at Georgian wine events confirms the rising interest in our wine and our shared goal of long-term partnership.' sanjaykumar@
Korea Herald
8 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Judges fail to reach consensus on Lee trial
Judges divided over Supreme Court case involving President Lee A national meeting of South Korean judges ended without agreement on Monday, as members remained divided over how to respond to the Supreme Court's decision to order the High Court to reconsider it's acquittal of President Lee Jae Myung's for election law violations. According to the National Association of Judges, the Monday meeting was to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the judiciary, sparked by the Supreme Court ruling, issued during President Lee's presidential campaign. Proposals related to key issues such as judicial independence and public trust in the courts were largely opposed, and all five motions put to a vote were rejected. The judges had previously decided not to pass a resolution, opting instead to continue discussions after the June 3 presidential election due to concerns that their decision could influence the election. One of the key issues was the association's commitment to ensuring fair trials by monitoring the legal procedures in Lee's case, analyzing the causes of the controversy and discussing measures to resolve it. Among the 90 judges who attended the Monday meeting, 56 expressed the view that the proceedings of Lee's election law violation case were conducted legally, and so the association decided not to issue an additional statement on the matter. Another item on the agenda was whether judicial independence was undermined by the Democratic Party of Korea's lawmaker-led decision to summon and investigate Supreme Court Chief Justice Jo Hee-de after the ruling. While 19 judges believed that the then main opposition party's measure constituted a serious breach of judicial independence, 67 opposed the motion. The remaining proposals were also voted down. These included proposals that would have addressed criticism directed at the Supreme Court's unusually swift handling of Lee's criminal case — including its expedited appeal trial and selective review of the lengthy case record — which had Lee supporters had used to question the court's political neutrality. Controversy surrounding the case has been growing since the Supreme Court moved to review it in a full bench session on April 22. It issued its verdict on May 1, despite the court having until June 22 to reach a decision within the legal deadline. The top court's justices held their first two hearings in the case within three days. And this was perceived as an unusually swift move for cases referred to the full court, which typically convenes only once a month. When the Supreme Court ruled to overturn Lee's acquittal and sent the case back to the Seoul High Court for retrial, citing legal errors in the lower court's decision, some liberal lawmakers and judges insisted that Jo's alleged misconduct had led to the unusually swift ruling and public distrust in the judiciary. The Democratic Party publicly called for Jo's resignation and attempted to make various legislative measures, such as expanding the number of Supreme Court justices and introducing retrial petitions in response to the controversy involving the top court. These moves have raised concerns that judicial independence was being undermined. The special meeting, held by judges from courts at all levels nationwide, is convened to express opinions or make recommendations on judicial administration and the independence of the judiciary.
