The last two years have been very eventful for me. My presidency has been full of ups and downs, giving me many lessons. I hope these tough experiences will help me manage state affairs well over the next three years.
The number of irregular workers is increasing with business slackening and the income gap widening. I find myself without adequate words of consolation. I am sorry for not achieving good results even though the government is doing its best. But it is very clear that we are making changes and our society is making slow progress. There is no dissent to the prediction that our economy will revive sometime soon. It is time for us to join together once again.
Revival of Economy
First of all, we must strengthen our competitiveness to weather the high oil prices and the low foreign exchange rate. The government has strategies to develop technologies, cultivate talented manpower, enhance market transparency and support a business-friendly environment.
We have to alleviate disparities between conglomerates and small businesses, high-tech industries and conventional industries, exports and domestic demand, large-scale discount stores and traditional outdoor markets, and high-income and low-income groups.
We are pushing hard to enhance the viability of small- and medium-sized businesses through various measures. There is economic growth, but there will be a problem if this growth does not create jobs. The government's labor policies are based on the idea that creating jobs is the best way to address social welfare.
The government will try to further strengthen the social security net, at least so that financially-troubled people do not to worry about daily meals and medical costs.
I will do my best to stabilize the real estate market. The government will employ every possible means, even battling against speculation if necessary.
Advanced Economy
Our economy will soon join the ranks of advanced countries. To develop our economy, the government will support the service industries in business, including in finance, law, accounting, research, information technology, consulting and design.
I think the development of the financial industry is very important because it is a prerequisite for the development of our businesses. Logistics also plays a key role. The government will reorganize our industry structure soon to create jobs and roll out high value-added products.
Another task for the government to improve the economy is strengthening the competitiveness of our service industries, which I think should pay more attention to the demand for high-quality products.
We have to prevent the outflow of hard currency by providing people with better services in education and health care. The government will certainly protect the public face of the two industries and if necessary we will try to further expand their public role. But the government will also retain their commercial aspects in the market economy.
A combination of the culture, tourism and leisure industries can contribute to creating jobs and stimulating domestic demand. Within the first half of this year, the government will present a blueprint for the development of the three industries. The government will expand tourism infrastructure on the west and south coasts to encourage people to have second thoughts on plans for vacations overseas.
The nation must have an advanced trade system to become an advanced country. Now we consider the World Trade Organization and free trade agreements as tools for the sustainable development of our economy. The government will adopt a strategy for the development of our trade system to help our companies extend their businesses to the world.
At the same time, the government will actively pursue measures to help farmers and fishermen who are suffering from open-door policies.
Advanced Society
To achieve an advanced economy, we must proceed into an advanced society that is transparent and fair. No illegality or foul play should be tolerated. For a fair market, society must first be fair.
To be an advanced society, the close, symbiotic relationships between political and business circles and between power and the media should be terminated. Our society has already progressed much in this direction, for which the solution is democracy. The culture of power has been rapidly changing. I don't think these close relationships exist any more.
At least, it seems that the inappropriate relationship between power and the media has already been dissolved. The power and the media maintain a relationship of both tension and cooperation, each performing its duty. To become advanced, the nation's media needs to change. But I believe this the president had best not act on this matter himself.
The cycle of corruption with money and personal connections should also be ended. I will try my best to eliminate corruption during my tenure. I hope we will make Korea a place where every citizen has a clear conscience.
Advanced Politics
We also have to proceed into a mature democracy with advanced politics. Our political landscape still retains the remnants of previous authoritarian governments. Regionalism is one such example.
In the parliamentary elections last April, the current electoral system failed to reflect the wishes of each electoral district. The system intensifies regionalism and should be corrected.
The culture of dialogue and compromise should be applied to civil society as well as to politics. The core of democracy lies in dialogue and compromise. If one side tries to carry out its intentions without compromise, this is in itself against democracy. The government is in the process of establishing a conflict management system. I sincerely ask civil society to focus on creative participation suggesting alternatives rather than putting forward resistance.
The electoral atmosphere is not yet sufficiently mature. Corruption still exists in many elections. Bribery and falsehood, in particular, should no longer be tolerated. Election corruption must be rooted out.
The government is gearing up to become a more competent nation. We are giving our best, hoping that this administration will rank within the top 20 by global standards for its competence. Our strategy is innovation. The purpose of innovation is making the government more effective. We'd like to institutionalize innovation this year. A basic administrative infrastructure will be established. We will establish a government that provides the services people need and executes their work effectively.
Social Conflict
What I learned from my experiences of the last two years in leading state affairs was, above all, that the government should say truthful and act responsibly. I will continue to execute my duty in earnest with a sense of responsibility and new resolution. This is also important for the National Assembly, the media, civic groups and every citizen. Every argument should be made with a sense of responsibility.
Many people say the national pension fund will dry up in 40 years if current conditions remain unchanged, but free investment with the fund is prohibited. They say educational authority has collapsed, but other measures are fruitless unless teachers themselves build trust. Campaigning against the government will not produce reforms in the public education system. There is no other way to resolve the temporary worker issue without concessions from labor in backing down from the strong protection of regular workers.
We have to find alternatives and accept those that are acceptable. What would a government be able to do if every region and every group argues against facilities or development projects that are not in line with its own interests? An advanced nation is a society where citizens work together.
There are confrontations over a movement to find the truth of the nation's modern history. They say the president is aggravating conflict as the economy slips. But if learning history is natural, then light should be shed upon history. This is all the more true if the history was painful. We have to be honest regarding history.
A changed world should be met with changed eyes. Political parties and the National Assembly no longer move in accordance with the president's commands. The powerful presidents of previous authoritarian governments should not be expected any more. It is natural that government agencies and parties have differences of opinion. Please observe the state affairs with a fresh mindset.
Foreign Affairs and Security Issues
I understand you might be very concerned with the North Korean nuclear issue. I know events we did not expect occurred, but the basic framework remains unchanged. We will calmly cope with the situation under a consistent principle. We will be flexible, but will not lose our principle.
One frequently adopted strategy in diplomacy is to take advantage of the other side's conflicts or disagreements. Please make sure that we are not exploited.
The bilateral relationship between South Korea and the United States is as stable and as close as ever. We will maintain these relations. I ask diplomats to be frank and argue if there are points to argue. This is a sincere and responsible attitude that can build trust.
Our independent military with its own operational command will firmly defend peace in Northeast Asia, maintaining balance in the region.