President Lee: "Three Major Mega-Projects Are a Historic Decision for Future Generations, Not Just Local Favors" (Comprehensive)

Presiding Over Senior Presidential Secretary Meeting

"To Win the Super-Gap Economic War, We Must Mobilize All Our Capabilities"

Calls for Speed in Follow-Up Actions

"Success of State Affairs Depends on Easing Polarization... Multi-Faceted Policy Response Needed"

Strong Emphasis on Disaster Response Ahead of Monsoon Season

Discussion on 'Youth Policy Restructuring Plan' and 'Unemployment Benefit Reform and Employment Insurance Financial Stabilization Plan'

On July 2, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "The three major mega-projects recently announced are not simply favors to local regions, but represent the only path for Korea to become the ultimate winner of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as a historic decision for future generations." He once again emphasized that the plan to expand investments in cutting-edge industries such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) beyond the Seoul metropolitan area is a national survival strategy, especially amid the global industrial order reshaped by the AI revolution.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Senior Presidential Secretaries Meeting held at the Blue House on July 2, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

During his opening remarks at the Senior Presidential Secretary Meeting held at the Blue House that afternoon, President Lee said, "The world is facing a major civilizational shift triggered by the AI revolution, and key nations are mobilizing all their national capabilities to enter this new industrial battlefield." He added, "In order to win the global super-gap economic war—where even a half-step delay means falling behind forever—we must concentrate all our resources through bold strategies and swift execution."

President Lee also stated, "In the 1970s, the government under Park Chung-hee paved the way for an export-driven economy by fostering heavy and chemical industries, and in the 2000s, the Kim Dae-jung administration built the foundation for Korea to become an IT powerhouse." He continued, "The three major mega-projects of the People’s Sovereignty Government will become the third stepping stone for Korea to rise as a super-gap industrial powerhouse."

He further reiterated that the key lies in expanding the axis of growth from the over-concentrated Seoul metropolitan area to the entire nation. President Lee said, "If we diversify growth beyond the already saturated metropolitan area and expand it nationwide, it will become a driving force to transform the entire country into a Korean-style Silicon Valley."

He also called on the Blue House and government to act swiftly on follow-up measures. President Lee said, "We must prioritize the revision of relevant policies and laws, as well as budget allocations, to accelerate the progress of these projects," and instructed, "Please ensure thoroughness in planning and implementing additional investment plans." He added, "As we take responsibility for Korea’s next 30 years and open greater opportunities to all young people nationwide, I ask that the public, businesses, government, and political circles unite their strength for this cause."

Regarding polarization, he called for more proactive policy responses. President Lee said, "One of the biggest issues we must address alongside creating new engines for future growth is mitigating the deep-rooted social imbalances and gaps." He explained, "If we leave K-shaped polarization unchecked, productivity will decline, growth potential will be damaged, and even national unity and social stability could be shaken."

He continued, "We need to approach polarization mitigation as a matter of national success or failure and respond with a wide range of policies," identifying as tasks: strengthening the basic social safety net, establishing a fair labor market, revitalizing local economies, and building an asset ladder for young people. Regarding the anticipated additional tax revenue, he said, "Please utilize it efficiently to secure stable investment resources for future generations."

President Lee Jae-myung salutes the national flag at the Senior Presidential Secretary meeting held at the Blue House on July 2, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee also strongly called for disaster response measures ahead of the monsoon season, which is intensifying this week. He said, "The July monsoon is unusual, and there are concerns about extreme downpours like monster rain, so we must be thoroughly prepared." In particular, he noted, "Along with efforts at the central government level, what is really important is the role of local governments on the front lines," pointing out, "Since many local governments are early in their terms and have new leaders, there is a risk of insufficient response to emergencies, so special attention is needed."

He instructed preemptive inspections of vulnerable facilities such as landslide-prone areas, semi-basements, aging infrastructure, construction sites, and storm drains, stressing, "When it comes to public safety, too much caution is 100 times better than too little." He added, "Neglecting preventable accidents due to indifference can lead to major disasters, and recently, there have even been issues of criminal liability for those responsible for management." He urged, "Public officials and supervisors should carry out their duties thoroughly, if only for their own sake."

In a closed-door meeting, Blue House Chief Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said that Lee Ju-hyung, the Youth Affairs Officer, gave a direct report on the "Youth Budget Analysis and Youth Policy Restructuring Plan" prepared by the Office of Listening and Integration. Lee Ju-hyung emphasized the need for youth policies that are highly noticeable and relevant to young people, and added that the "Culture and Arts Pass," which supports costs for performances, exhibitions, and movie viewings, has received high awareness and satisfaction among youth.

In response, President Lee closely inquired about the age range, usage conditions, application environment, eligibility criteria, and budget scale for the current "Culture and Arts Pass" policy. He suggested that if satisfaction and awareness are high, plans should be made to expand or apply the policy to other areas. President Lee also emphasized the importance of gathering diverse opinions to develop policies that young people can truly feel, stating, "We must listen to a wide range of voices in the process of collecting feedback."

Additionally, President Lee was briefed by the Fiscal Policy Secretary on the "Unemployment Benefit Reform and Employment Insurance Financial Stabilization Plan," and once again stressed the importance of sufficiently gathering input from all stakeholders during the policy process. President Lee stated, "It is desirable for policies to be established through a process of collecting opinions and public discussion," and instructed, "For example, please quickly establish a system to institutionalize citizen and public opinion collection bodies—similar to citizens’ assemblies—so that gathering public input becomes an integral part of all policy decisions," according to Chief Spokesperson Kang.

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