President Yoon Suk Yeol on Jan. 2 said that while putting immediate livelihood issues at the forefront, the government must swiftly correct the "evils" that obstruct economic growth and development as well as accelerate normalization.

President Yoon that day invited national leading officials to Yeongbingwan, the guesthouse at the former presidential compound of Cheong Wa Dae, where he gave his New Year's address.

He said the three major reforms of labor, education and pension are difficult and strenuous but are a path that the government must take as ordered by the people.

If the government easily succumbs to the resistance of vested rights, it puts sustainable prosperity at stake, he added.

President Yoon said that world history has shown numerous times how crises turn into opportunities that lead to prosperity and big steps forward through determination to face challenges and development of innovation capacity, and asked all of the officials at the meeting to gather their strength and help.

In his speech to mark the first day of the Year of Gyemyo (Black Rabbit) according to the Asian zodiac, the chief executive pledged to achieve his three major reforms of labor, education and pension without fail.

His speech on Jan. 1 was livestreamed at 10 a.m. in the briefing room on the first floor of the Office of the President in Seoul.

"There is no future for a country that is preoccupied with vested interests and rent-seeking. The Republic of Korea’s future and our future generations’ fate depend upon three major reforms: labor, education and pension. These cannot be delayed any longer," he said.

"First of all, we must drive economic growth through labor reforms," he added. "The dual structure of our labor market needs to be improved."

"'Rule of law' will provide a way to prevent unnecessary labor disputes and conflicts. With rule of law the value of labor will be rightfully respected."

"Higher education is directly related to our nation’s competitiveness. We will boldly transfer relevant authority to local areas and provide them the support needed, so they can link education to their specific industries," the president said.

"Without these educational reforms, it will be difficult to accomplish balanced regional development. Moreover, balanced regional development will provide a quick solution for the problem of low birth rates."

He added, "Curricula will be diversified, so future generations will be able to receive the types of education they desire, and we will ensure that everyone enjoys equal opportunities."

"We will submit a legislative proposal on this reform to the National Assembly after conducting scientific research and investigations on pension finance, collecting public opinions and referring the issue to public discussions in a prompt manner."

Toward the end of his speech, President Yoon said he will never lose sight of the mission entrusted to him by the people, and together with our great people, will achieve a new takeoff."

korea.net