On January 22, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung presided over a meeting with senior aides, stressing the need to accelerate national reforms. He urged both the National Assembly and government agencies to deliver visible results quickly, emphasizing that reforms must bring tangible improvements to citizens’ lives. President Lee highlighted the importance of transparent policy implementation and listening to voices from the field to minimize unnecessary confusion. He reiterated that all reforms should ultimately benefit the people.
During the meeting, President Lee issued a strong warning against transnational crimes such as voice phishing. He pointed out that these crimes not only threaten individual lives and community trust but can also lead to diplomatic disputes. The president instructed relevant ministries to thoroughly track and eradicate such crimes and to ensure the full recovery of criminal proceeds to compensate victims. These statements reflect the government’s firm commitment to public safety and restoring trust.
In the closed-door session, senior aides presented and discussed new or prioritized policy ideas for 2026. Key topics included fiscal and administrative support for balanced regional development, support programs for youth and vulnerable groups, and initiatives to foster future growth industries such as AI. In the areas of diplomacy and security, policies to strengthen security capabilities, support overseas Koreans, and stabilize supply chains were addressed. Measures to enhance the professionalism of the civil service were also reviewed.
The government plans to thoroughly review the discussed projects and policies to ensure they lead to real, perceptible changes for citizens. President Lee’s remarks and policy directions focus on citizen-centered governance and securing future growth engines. There are high public expectations for the speed of policy implementation and the effectiveness of crime eradication efforts. Additionally, enhanced transparency and communication are expected to positively impact public trust in the government.
President Lee’s meeting highlights a strategic shift toward faster policy execution and tangible outcomes. The integrated approach to tackling transnational crime, supporting vulnerable groups, and fostering AI-driven industries signals a comprehensive vision for national advancement. The emphasis on transparency and field communication is likely to strengthen public trust, while the government’s proactive stance on future industries positions South Korea for sustained competitiveness and social resilience.