President Lee: "For the Country to Thrive, Traditional Markets and Neighborhoods Must Prosper"...Orders Expansion of Government Support

"We Must Not Let Merchant Burdens Prevent Even Basic Facility Upgrades"
Proposal to Promote a Nationwide Online Distribution Platform for Traditional Markets

On May 28, President Lee Jae-myung instructed that measures to revitalize traditional markets should be implemented swiftly in order to restore livelihoods, emphasizing that "the nation can only thrive when traditional markets, neighborhoods, and local areas are alive." He called for increasing the proportion of government support.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Senior Secretary Meeting held at the Blue House on May 28, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

In his opening remarks at the Senior Secretary Meeting held at the Blue House that afternoon, President Lee stated, "While our economy is showing strong growth centered on exports, the vitality has not yet sufficiently reached neighborhood commercial districts." He made these remarks based on the judgment that revitalizing traditional markets, which are closely connected to people's daily lives, is crucial to practically improving the livelihoods of citizens.

President Lee shared that recently, after participating in regional events, he has been dining at traditional markets to listen to local voices. He remarked, "When I visit the markets, I hear stories from many people; indeed, many ordinary citizens depend on traditional markets for their livelihoods, and the general public also relies on them heavily. However, it seems that the situation of traditional markets is not improving as much as expected and continues to deteriorate."

He also called for urgent improvements to traditional market facilities and the reinforcement of safety measures. President Lee said, "Most of the requests are for facility improvements such as arcades and signs, and there are many demands for safety facilities, too. In several places I've visited, the facilities are extremely outdated, so modernization should be expedited."

The issue of costs borne by merchants and merchant associations during the modernization of traditional markets was also addressed. President Lee noted, "During this process, costs are involved, and there is a practice of requiring private-sector merchants or merchant associations to shoulder part of these costs as a form of shared responsibility. Although it may be difficult to eliminate this entirely, it appears that this burden is preventing even the most essential facility improvements from being carried out."

He added, "I hope the government can increase its share of support and reduce the private sector's burden so that necessary improvements are not hindered by these costs. I hear this everywhere I go, so I hope institutional reforms can be implemented quickly."

President Lee also suggested expanding the online distribution infrastructure for traditional markets. He said, "It would be beneficial to activate an online distribution platform that connects traditional markets nationwide. These days, not only do customers visit in person, but online transactions are also significant; however, traditional markets are falling behind in this area, making it difficult to diversify their sales channels and causing challenges." He went on to say, "I hope all possible measures will be mobilized to facilitate more active distribution."

Meanwhile, President Lee appeared to be aware of criticism from the People Power Party, which has accused him of 'using government influence for electioneering' following his consecutive visits to nearby traditional markets after events in Jinhae and Busan. He commented, "Recently, after events, I have mainly had my meals at markets. Some people question why I am dining at markets, but I hope they understand that I genuinely enjoy eating at markets."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.