President Lee Jae-myung stated on the 9th at the ‘2026 Economic Growth Strategy National Report Meeting’ held at the Blue House that this year’s economic situation is expected to be around 2%, slightly above the potential growth rate. He emphasized that this year should be the first year of a great leap forward for South Korea, achieving growth in all areas.
President Lee mentioned that last year, the government prepared for full-scale growth by reviving the collapsed livelihood economy. He also expressed his belief that normalization policies, such as fostering the semiconductor industry, would lead the economy to a new leap forward. He pointed out that the current economic situation is facing a significant challenge known as K-shaped growth.
President Lee stressed the importance of ensuring that the opportunities and fruits of economic growth are shared by everyone, not just a select few. Regarding youth issues, he noted that the shadow of K-shaped growth is concentrated on the younger generation, threatening the long-term future growth engine of the Korean economy. He pointed out that if the growth of the nation and corporate profits do not lead to jobs and opportunities for young people, the society cannot be considered healthy.
President Lee emphasized the need to recognize the reality of young people being pushed to the employment cliff as a national crisis and to prepare special measures by mobilizing national capabilities. He also urged the government to fundamentally review current policies and respond quickly with policy imagination to devise effective measures. Finally, he called for strengthening policy efforts to ensure that the fruits of growth through a great leap forward are shared by all and that everyone grows together as the nation grows.