Lee pledges to focus on improving livelihoods ahead of 500th day in office

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday pledged to maintain his policy priorities of improving people’s livelihoods, pursuing reforms and promoting national unity, a day before he is set to mark his 500th day in office.

“Tomorrow marks the 500th day since the launch of our ‘Government of Popular Sovereignty,’” Lee said at a meeting with key aides.

“Without being swayed by any external influence or resistance, [the government] will unwaveringly follow the path toward improving people’s livelihoods and pursuing practical reforms and inclusive national unity,” he said.

The president also pointed out that the national economy is achieving unprecedented success, but people’s livelihoods remain grim, pledging to help spread the benefits of growth to people’s everyday lives.

“Our economy is registering remarkable outcomes in various fields. If this trend continues, we will likely become the sixth country with a [per capita] national income of $40,000 this year among nations with a population of over 50 million,” he said.

“Difficulties in people’s everyday lives, however, do not seem to have eased,” Lee said, instructing aides to make all-out efforts to ensure that the benefits from growth translate into “specific results” in people’s lives.

Lee in particular called for prioritizing policies supporting people’s livelihoods by resolving difficulties related to housing, employment and finance.

“During the rest of the year, the Blue House and the government will have to mobilize all efforts to ensure that the warmth of growth spreads throughout society,” Lee said.

Yonhap