On February 12, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung presided over the 23rd Senior Aides Meeting, focusing on several social policy initiatives. The president referenced the ‘Geunyang Dream’ program, which aims to provide a minimum safety net for vulnerable groups. He emphasized the importance of closing gaps in social support and ensuring equitable access, regardless of residency. The meeting also addressed the rising costs of school uniforms, with the president calling for a review of price appropriateness and suggesting the formation of producer cooperatives to create jobs and boost domestic industry.
The policies discussed impact a wide range of citizens, including vulnerable populations, students, youth, and local communities. The ‘Geunyang Dream’ program is intended to serve as a safety belt for those in need, while the school uniform cost review targets families facing high expenses. Youth may benefit from expanded health insurance coverage for hair loss treatment, pending further public discussion. Local governments and residents stand to gain from the expansion of workation centers, which link work, rest, and tourism to stimulate regional economies.
Implementation of these policies is ongoing, with some measures already agreed upon by labor, management, and government, such as improvements to the comprehensive wage system. President Lee suggested that actionable items be implemented through subordinate regulations or guidelines even before formal legal amendments. The expansion of health insurance for hair loss treatment is subject to further social debate, and the government is considering increasing patient co-payments for mild outpatient care to address insurance expenditure and prevent abuse. Collaboration with proactive local governments is encouraged for effective workation center support.
Frequently asked questions include: Who can access the ‘Geunyang Dream’ benefits? President Lee has called for non-discriminatory access, regardless of residency. What steps are being taken to address school uniform costs? A review of price appropriateness is underway, and the feasibility of producer cooperatives is being considered. How will health insurance changes be decided? The president recommends broad public discussion before finalizing coverage expansion. What is being done to prevent insurance abuse? Structural measures are being prepared to curb unnecessary treatments and improper claims.
President Lee Jae-myung’s policy directives at the 23rd Senior Aides Meeting highlight a multifaceted approach to social welfare, targeting vulnerable groups, students, and local communities. The insistence on equitable access to ‘Geunyang Dream’ benefits and the review of school uniform costs address immediate socioeconomic concerns. The call for public discussion on health insurance changes and collaboration with local governments for workation centers reflects a participatory policy process. The strategy to implement actionable items through subordinate regulations before formal legal amendments demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness. These initiatives, grounded in the meeting’s facts, could strengthen social safety nets and promote regional vitality.