President Lee Jae-myung stated on June 8, 2026, that he aims to make this year the beginning of a bold vision for an "irreplaceable Korea" that no other nation can replicate.
In a speech delivered during a press conference at the Blue House to commemorate his first year in office, President Lee emphasized the importance of leveraging South Korea's experiences, capabilities, values, and the national energy to overcome crises as a foundation for a new era of the "K Initiative."
He outlined four national goals: 1) to become a leading industrial nation where all citizens and regions share in growth opportunities and benefits; 2) to establish a global diplomatic and security powerhouse that protects the peace and pride of all citizens; 3) to create a normal society where agreed norms and rules are strictly upheld; and 4) to ensure a government that prioritizes saving lives.
Full Text of President Lee Jae-myung's Anniversary Speech
Dear respected and beloved citizens,
Today marks one year since the establishment of the people's sovereignty government, launched amid a national crisis without a moment's pause.
Carrying the earnest hopes and aspirations of 52 million citizens, I have approached each day with urgency to achieve South Korea's "recovery and normalization."
Over the past year, we have navigated three significant crises threatening the lives of our citizens and the future of our nation.
These include the crisis of democracy brought about by civil unrest and martial law, the trade and security crisis stemming from upheavals in the international order, and the livelihood crisis triggered by conflicts in the Middle East.
Even in the face of relentless challenges, we have reaffirmed that the united strength of the Korean people can overcome any adversity.
We have restored our constitutional order and democracy, proudly announcing the return of "Democratic Korea" to the world, paving the way for a renewed democracy to drive economic growth.
Believing that collective wisdom is essential for tackling difficult issues, I have made the voices of 52 million sovereign citizens the compass for governance.
Through direct communication with the public, we have enhanced transparency in governance and strengthened accountability in public service, which I believe are the most hopeful changes achieved by our government in the past year.
Dear citizens,
In the midst of various crises over the past year, we have instead confirmed South Korea's potential, possibilities, and opportunities.
The unprecedented crisis of democracy has showcased the remarkable resilience of the Korean people, while the geopolitical crisis brought about by shifts in the international order has proven our nation's exceptional industrial and technological competitiveness.
In meetings with world leaders over the past year, I have felt the global attention on South Korea.
Countries with coastlines wish to collaborate with us, and nations seeking to protect their territories want to partner with us.
From the industrial transformation driven by artificial intelligence and climate crises to challenges such as low birth rates, regional decline, polarization, and deepening inequality, the world is watching how South Korea will address these universal issues.
If we pave the way first, South Korea's challenges will set new standards and benchmarks for the world.
I will make 2026 the year when the bold dream of an "irreplaceable Korea" begins, a vision no other nation can replicate.
Using our experiences, capabilities, values, and the national energy to overcome crises, I will usher in a new era of the "K Initiative."
We will leap forward as the first country to fully integrate AI into industry and daily life, as the primary partner for nations planning self-defense, as the most exemplary country in energy transition among non-oil-producing nations, and as a nation that utilizes its entire territory most efficiently, transforming from a country the world observes to one it truly needs.
To achieve this, I present four national goals.
First, we will advance as a leading industrial nation where all citizens and regions share in growth opportunities and benefits.
We will consolidate the capabilities of both government and private sectors to secure overwhelming competitiveness in advanced technology fields.
In this era of rapid technological competition, we must not become complacent even if we temporarily lead in certain areas.
We will continuously discover and nurture "global super-gap growth engines" that will play a role in South Korea's next-generation industries beyond semiconductors.
Most importantly, the fruits of growth must not be confined to specific companies, regions, or sectors.
The achievements and opportunities created by the collective strength of our community must flow to small and medium-sized enterprises and be evenly distributed across our territory and all sectors, leading to tangible changes that every citizen can feel in their lives.
Soon, I will unveil a large-scale investment project that will achieve a "transformation of growth strategy" to the public.
Additionally, I will carefully monitor the highly supported National Growth Fund to ensure it fulfills its role in "shared growth" and devise the most effective ways to utilize the surplus tax revenue from semiconductors.
As advanced strategic industries grow, there must be a belief that my life will change, enabling bolder national investments and continuous innovation.
Second, we will advance as a global diplomatic and security powerhouse that protects the peace and pride of all citizens.
In the past year, South Korea has proven that we are no longer a small nation shaken by great powers or a passive follower of changes in the international order.
I will strive to ensure that the valuable achievements in diplomacy and security made over the past year, such as the revision of the Korea-U.S. nuclear agreement, the introduction of nuclear submarines, and the push for early transfer of wartime operational control, bear concrete fruit.
Under the principle that peace is growth and peace is livelihood, we will steadfastly pave the way for peace, stability, coexistence, and mutual prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.
With democracy, industrial competitiveness, and cultural influence, South Korea has already become a model that the world aspires to emulate.
Based on a strong Korea-U.S. alliance, robust self-defense, and pragmatic national interest diplomacy, we will enhance our status and role as a "global responsible power."
Third, we will strive to create a normal society where agreed norms and rules are strictly upheld.
In a country where breaking the rules leads to profit and success through cheating and shortcuts, what innovation and challenges can we expect?
I will resolutely correct any unfairness that hinders citizens' lives, no matter how trivial it may seem, and will vigorously promote the "normalization of abnormalities" throughout society.
I will thoroughly crack down on livelihood crimes such as stock manipulation and real estate offenses that disrupt market order, and will unwaveringly implement structural reforms aimed at dismantling privileges.
Fourth, as a government that saves lives, I will dedicate all efforts to protecting the lives and dignity of all citizens.
In a country where people struggle with debt and face life-and-death decisions, and where individuals meet their demise in workplaces meant for survival, neither the title of an economic and industrial powerhouse nor achievements in diplomacy and security can be a source of pride.
There is no greater responsibility of the state than to protect the lives of its citizens.
I will realize an active and comprehensive administration that safeguards citizens with a robust "social safety net" that includes life-saving finance, secure workplaces, a welfare system that spares no one, and crime-free streets.
I will establish a system that prioritizes the lives and safety of citizens across all areas of governance, including finance, welfare, labor, healthcare, public safety, and disaster response.
Dear citizens,
As it has been over the past year, the sole standard for governance moving forward will be the "lives of the people."
In the face of a time of great upheaval, I will transform into an innovative "pragmatic government" that is most responsive to the needs of the citizens.
I will think and act beyond conventional practices.
I will not only lead innovation but also ensure that the government itself becomes a model of innovation.
A government that has no barriers between departments when it comes to the public's livelihood, a government that engages in vigorous discussions but executes swiftly, and a government that embraces any policy that benefits citizens will continuously evolve.
I will never compromise when it comes to the lives of the people.
I will not rest for a single moment when it comes to the future of our nation.
With each day feeling like the last of my term, I will give my all.
Thus, I will compete with the past year of the people's sovereignty government.
I will become a government that is more anticipated in the next four years than the past year.
With a heavier sense of responsibility than last year, I will fulfill the mission entrusted to me.
I believe that the great Korean people, the true owners of this nation, will always accompany us on our journey toward a new leap for South Korea.
As before, I will navigate boldly toward a "country where the people are the masters, a happy South Korea" guided by the wisdom of 52 million sovereign citizens.
Thank you.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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