President Lee: In the second year in office, we must deliver practical results that improve people's lives

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[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung said on the 21st that, as his administration enters its second year, "It is time to deliver practical results that genuinely improve people's lives with a new vision."
In his opening remarks at the meeting with presidential advisory councils and committees in Chungmu Hall at The Blue House main building, Lee said, "In two weeks, it will be the first anniversary of the government's launch." He added, "For the past year, we have focused mainly on normalizing various domestic systems and situations that had become disordered or abnormal. From now on, it is time to produce practical results that truly improve people's lives with a new vision."
Lee explained that the government runs state affairs through public officials, but that alone is not enough. "We are receiving necessary advice and policy proposals, and, when needed, consultations, from all of you who have professional expertise," he said.
He also asked the advisory councils and committees to present practical policy alternatives. Lee said, "I have often heard that some people receive an appointment letter and never meet again until the end of the presidential term." He added, "Looking at it closely, I thought there was a high chance I might end up doing the same."
He went on to say, "There are in fact many committees, and it is not easy to meet each one individually and have direct discussions." He urged them to "fulfill the essential functions each committee has, gather opinions, develop policy alternatives, check the state of government affairs, and make committee activities smoother and more active."
Lee also mentioned communication through online chat rooms, in addition to formal channels. "I created chat rooms for all of you, and while I cannot read everything people say in them, I do go through them when I have time," he said. "If you have individual opinions or something you want to tell me directly, I would appreciate it if you could send them through those chat room channels." He added, "I stay up late too, and that kind of communication is very helpful."
Lee also stressed that the advisory bodies are part of the state apparatus. "Please speak frankly," he said. "Feel free to criticize and advise us as openly as you like, but I trust you understand that an organized institutional principle is at work."
He also outlined plans to improve the treatment of members of the advisory councils and committees. "I sometimes think the treatment of members is far too poor, including for the chairpersons and vice chairpersons," Lee said. "These are people who have come here by setting aside their valuable time and bringing professional capabilities, yet the actual compensation is far too insufficient."
He added, "We intend to improve that. The government is not some poor organization, and we should not ask capable people to make private sacrifices or endure hardship, so we are preparing to ensure they are properly compensated." Lee also told Chief of Staff to the President Kang Hoon-sik, "Let's make travel and related matters more realistic. Let's not ask for sacrifice."
The meeting was attended by 20 people, including Kang Chang-il, Senior Vice Chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC); Lee Kyung-soo, Vice Chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology (PACST); Kim Sung-sik, Vice Chair of the National Economic Advisory Council; Lee Seok-yeon, chairperson of the Presidential Committee of National Cohesion; Kim Ji-hyung, chairperson of the Economic, Social and Labor Council (ESLC); Kim Jin-o, Vice Chair of the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy; and Yun Ho-jung, Minister of the Interior and Safety (MOIS).
west@fnnews.com Sung Seok-woo Reporter