President Moon Jae-in emphasized’fairness’ again. President Moon presented his 2021 New Year’s Address on the theme of “The Hope Made by the People: Recovery, Inclusion, and Leap” at the Blue House main building on the 11th.
President Moon said on the day that “when we have the belief that society is fair, we can choose the’way to live together’, and the power of innovation can be strengthened with the courage to get up again even if we fail.” In the New Year’s Day on the 7th, he emphasized the importance of’belief in fairness’ after emphasizing’integration of mind’.
As an example of establishing the value of fairness, the first mention of’reform in power institutions’. President Moon said, “Reformation of power institutions is a matter of check and balance. It is to ensure that the legal order is applied equally and fairly to everyone,” he said. “We finally made the reform of the legal system, which was a long homework last year.”
In addition, he said, “The 3rd Fair Economy Act and the 3rd Labor-related Act will achieve economic democracy and increase the sustainability of growth.” President Moon said, “As it is all about changing institutions and practices that have been formed over a long period of time, it is true that there are many difficulties and conflicting elements before establishing themselves in the field.” “By closely communicating and cooperating with various stakeholders, we have established a reformed system. I will go out.”
Furthermore, he said, “We will continue to listen to and complement our countermeasures to new demands for fairness in various fields of our society, such as easing the educational and caring gaps in the corona era, protecting essential workers, preventing industrial accidents, eradicating sexual crimes, and protecting abused children” did.
Although President Moon emphasized the prevention of industrial accidents, the controversial corporate punishment law for serious accidents has not been discussed. The bill, which was only passed amid hunger strikes by bereaved families who lost their families due to industrial accidents, became rags in the process of discussions at the National Assembly. The postponement of workplaces with fewer than 50 employees and the exclusion of workplaces with fewer than 5 employees left the original office to avoid or pass on responsibility, and the presumption of causal relationship was deleted.
It is also regrettable that the President did not mention the ruling party’s’unfair’ attitude in the process of dealing with various reform bills. The Dong-do Democratic Party, which has established an angle with the prosecution, handled a bill related to the high-ranking public officials criminal investigation office (aircraft department) in the name of the prosecution reform alone amid opposition. On the other hand, the Act on Severe Accidents, which was also a pledge for the presidential election, delayed the process of adopting party arguments and processing bills because of opposition or internal disagreements.
The family and the labor community are demanding to revise the half-severe major accident law again. The 3rd Fair Economy Act and the 3rd Labor Act, mentioned by President Moon on this day, are also counted as regressed bills. This is why the process of talking while covering up this situation is difficult to reach.
Meanwhile, President Moon made the theme of this year’s New Year’s address “the people’s made hope: recovery, inclusion, and leap forward.” The keywords revealed at the New Year’s Day on the 7th were delivered as an expanded message. At that time, the keyword’integration’, interpreted as suggesting the pardon of former presidents (Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye), did not appear in this New Year’s address.
The following is the full text of President Moon Jae-in’s 2021 New Year’s Address.
“The hope made by the people: recovery, inclusion, and leap forward”
My fellow citizens,
New Year’s Eve has come.
While wishing for hope, my heart is heavy.
It comes to mind that the New Year is not like the New Year.
The long war against Corona is not over.
Life and safety are still threatened,
The unprecedented difficulties in the public welfare economy continue.
The pain of daily loss continues.
To the people who are crossing the hard times
I offer you a word of profound comfort.
But the New Year will definitely be another year.
Together, we will overcome Corona.
2021 is for our people
It will be the’Year of Recovery’,’The Year of Inclusion’, and’The Year of Leap’.
Fellow Koreans,
In 2020, new infectious diseases
It threatened the lives of mankind, and daily life changed completely.
We were no exception.
The world economy has also suffered its worst downturn since the Great Depression.
Our economy also suffered negative growth.
Everyone was hard and hard.
The people had to bear the inconvenience throughout the year.
But we weren’t broken.
In the midst of the crisis, Korea rather shone.
Medical staff devotedly cared for patients
The people themselves became the subject of quarantine.
Our people
That the safety of my neighbors is my safety
The most common truth,
It has been shown to the world in amazing practice.
The creative quarantine measures that the people voluntarily envisioned
It was quickly applied to the field.
Korean diagnostic kit and’drive-through’ test method
Quarantine items like masks
It is spread all over the world,
It has greatly contributed to protecting humanity from coronavirus.
‘K-Defense Prevention’ is the
It is built on dedication and sacrifice.
It was the first nationwide election and entrance exam in the world.
Suppresses the spread as much as possible without containment,
Among the OECD countries, it has become one of the best quarantine countries,
Created by our people,
It is a precious achievement that no one can cut down.
The spirit of win-win among our people
It was also the greatest force in overcoming the economic crisis.
Starting with the’Good Rent Movement’
‘Good prepayment movement’ and’Agricultural product package movement’ followed,
I found a’way to live with’ neighbors in need.
Workers took the lead in overcoming the economic crisis,
Businesses kept hiring as much as possible.
Our economy
The highest growth rate among OECD countries last year,
It is expected to enter the top 10 in the world in terms of GDP,
National income per capita is also for the first time
It is predicted to exceed the G7 countries.
Stock index
After 14 years of breaking through the 2,000 line, the stock price opened to 3,000
It recorded the highest share price increase rate among OECD countries,
Even in crisis
It shows that the future prospects of the Korean economy are bright.
Korea never stopped.
All the people do their best in difficulties
It showed the potential of Korea, which is strong in crisis.
Finally, you can see the end of the dark tunnel.
A lot of uncertainties are cleared,
Now you can predict, forecast and plan.
This year we will fully recover our daily life
Fast and strong economic recovery
We will leap forward as a leading country in a new era.
But even if the national economy improves,
Restore employment
In order to recover from the damage suffered by small business owners and self-employed people
It will take more time.
Closing the gap deepened by corona
Achieving an inclusive recovery is paramount.
Fellow Koreans,
From the mask to the normal daily life
Going fast is the urgent priority.
Quarantine
The priority is to get over the last hump well.
The government with the people
We will do our best to end the third epidemic early.
In the next month, you can start getting the vaccine.
In order of priority
We will ensure that all citizens can receive the vaccination for free.
The review of the treatment developed by our company is also underway.
From safety inspection and permission, to use and effectiveness
The entire process will be transparently disclosed.
We will continue to encourage the development of our own vaccines.
By securing vaccine sovereignty,
To strengthen the safety of our people and international health cooperation
We will be able to contribute.
The economy will also achieve a quick and strong recovery.
Already our economy
From the third quarter of last year, it turned to positive growth.
Exports in December of last year exceeded 50 billion dollars in two years,
As of December, it reached an all-time high.
Following this momentum, our economy
In the first half of this year, it will recover to pre-corona levels.
In the public economy
To support the industries and classes affected by the third corona spread,
Starting today, 2.8 million small business owners, self-employed and
Special employment, freelancer, caring worker, etc.
We provide the 3rd disaster subsidy to 870,000 people who are vulnerable to employment.
I know it’s not enough
We look forward to serving as a greeting for the recovery of the public economy.
The government does not stop there,
For the recovery of the public economy
We will continue to mobilize our policy capabilities in the future.
During the first half
So that our economy can recover to pre-corona levels.
Expedite the expansive budget
110 trillion won worth of public and private investment projects
We will promote it with a sense of speed.
The core of the public economy is jobs.
The budget for jobs of 30.5 trillion won, an increase of 5 trillion won from last year,
We will focus on investment in the first quarter.
In particular, for the vulnerable, including youth, the elderly, and the disabled
We plan to create 1,040,000 jobs by ourselves.
To overcome the crisis’together’
The employment safety net and social safety net are further strengthened.
Young people and low-income job seekers
To receive support for living expenses along with employment support services.
The national employment support system will be implemented from this month.
Following the artists of last year, from July to special employment
Employment insurance coverage will be expanded.
In the meantime, they did not receive a living benefit because they were obligated to support
Both the elderly, single-parent families, and low-income families
From this month, you will be able to receive livelihood benefits,
From next year, we will abolish the standards for all households who are obligated to support.
All National Employment Insurance System, Injury and Disease Allowance, etc.
We will continue our efforts to expand the employment safety net and social safety net.
In crisis, we must hold each other’s hands and go together.
Together we get out of the crisis
Getting back to your daily routine becomes that much easier.
Last year, through active job creation and efforts to support low-income families,
Compared to other countries, it has been able to mitigate the impact of employment.
By greatly increasing government support for low-income people
The effect of improving distribution through finance has also increased significantly.
But it is still not enough.
We will make more efforts to restore public welfare and expand safety net.
For putting up with the inconvenience
So that the efforts of the people are not wasted
We will reward you with’overcoming the crisis that closes the gap’.
To the people who are discouraged by the difficulties of housing
I am very sorry.
We will not hesitate to come up with necessary measures for housing stability.
With special emphasis on supply expansion,
Various housing supply plans that can be quickly effective
We will arrange it quickly.
Fellow Koreans,
The global economy is changing rapidly due to the coronavirus.
The non-face-to-face economy and digital transformation are accelerating,
The fourth industrial revolution is advancing.
To preoccupy the changing world market after the coronavirus
Competition in each country will also become more intense.
The future is up to those who prepare.
The Korean economy has also made a’great transition to a leading economy’.
Our major industries such as automobiles and shipbuilding
We are regaining our competitiveness.
Automobile production entered the top five in the world last year,
Shipbuilding orders have regained the world’s No. 1 position.
The government has been focusing on
All three new industries including system semiconductors, future cars, and biohealth
Double-digit export growth rate
It is rapidly establishing itself as a new flagship industry.
Investment in the future is also steadily increasing.
The era of 100 trillion won in R&D investment has begun.
It is the fifth scale in the world.
The second venture boom spreads even in the corona
Last year, the amount of venture fund formation reached a record-high 5 trillion won,
Increased venture companies, increased employment, and exports
It was a record high.
The pace of innovation in our economy
It will be faster through the power of’win-win’.
We overcame the wave of Japanese export regulations through cooperation of large and small companies,
‘Win-win local jobs’ started in Gwangju spread across the country
We are developing new growth engines such as electric vehicles and advanced materials.
In earnest from this year
The core of the’Korean New Deal’ is also’people’ and’win-win’.
When the’Korean New Deal’ is promoted in earnest,
Changes will take place in Korea all over the country.
Will cultivate new talents,
New growth engines and quality jobs will be created.
‘Digital New Deal’ and’Green New Deal’
It will change the quality of life of the people.
Above all, the people experience the’Korean version of the New Deal’
It is of utmost importance to accompany you on the road to leading countries.
The focus of the’Korean New Deal’ will be placed on the’Regional Balanced New Deal’.
The region becomes the subject,
Local governments and residents, local businesses and talented people head-to-head,
We will be able to create realistic and creative development strategies.
We will further strengthen our efforts for regional economic innovation.
In addition to financial support using the special grant tax for national and local cooperation,
By newly designating a free regulatory zone
We will speed up innovation.
In addition, large-scale and ultra-wide project for balanced national development
Promote quickly and increase investment in life SOC
We will further improve the quality of life for local residents.
‘Korean New Deal’
Through the’Regional Balance New Deal’,
If there is synergy with the existing balanced national development plan,
We will be able to step closer to the’innovative inclusive country’ we dreamed of.
The government is committed to allowing the private sector to actively participate.
We will strive to create a New Deal Fund and lay the foundation for the system.
Digital economy transformation, climate crisis response, balanced regional development, etc.
Promote key legislation in the 10 areas of the New Deal,
We will strengthen communication and cooperation with companies.
We hope that the people will also actively participate.
When there is a belief that society is fair
We can choose to live together,
With the courage to get up again even if you fail
The power of innovation can be strong.
We believe in the power of fairness
We are building that value right away.
Reform of power institutions is a matter of check and balance.
Legal order
It is to ensure that it is applied equally and fairly to everyone.
We last year
The legal reform that was a long time homework was finally accomplished.
The 3rd Fair Economy Act and the 3rd Labor Act
Will achieve economic democracy,
It will increase the sustainability of growth.
All of them are changing institutions and practices that have been formed over a long period of time,
Until you get to the scene
It is true that there are many difficulties and conflicts.
Through close communication and cooperation with various stakeholders
We will establish a reformed system.
Ease the education gap and care gap in the coronavirus era, protect essential workers,
Prevention of industrial accidents, eradication of sexual crimes, protection of abused children, etc.
In response to new demands for fairness in various fields of our society,
We will constantly listen and supplement our countermeasures.
Fellow Koreans,
To solve global problems such as climate change,
The spirit of win-win must be exercised.
Our people, even if they are a little uncomfortable,
We have a strong will to live with nature.
This year is the first year of implementation of the Convention on Climate Change.
The government has been promoting the low-carbonization of our economic structure.
Expanding that effort
This year, in all fields of society, including energy and industry,
The plan for the ‘2050 Carbon Neutral’ will be materialized.
The government
To accelerate the development of a hydrogen economy and low-carbon industrial ecosystem,
We will dominate the world market.
‘The 2nd P4G Summit’ held in Seoul in May
Pray that the will of the international community for’carbon neutrality’ can be gathered.
We will prepare together with the people.
We will leap forward as a leading country in soft power as well.
Our culture and arts were fostered by democracy.
The creativity and free imagination of our culture and art
With democracy, we have become more diverse and more competitive.
BTS and Black Pink, Movie <기생충>The same K-contents
It attracts people* of the world and gives them happiness.
The government
So that culture and artists can show their creativity and’ki’
Support art creation activities,
Promoting the digitalization of Korean Wave content, etc.
We will further strengthen our status as a cultural powerhouse.
Our sports players and leaders with great skills
It is K-content that promotes Korea in itself.
Last year
Heung-min Son, Hyun-jin Ryu, Gwang-hyun Kim, Jin-young Ko and many other athletes
We delivered hope and courage to our people and people around the world.
The days of medals are over. It is a time of enjoying together.
The government
Professional sportsmen and daily sportsmen
So that you can enjoy sports to your heart’s content while ensuring sports rights.
We will support you without interference.
Corona forced distance, but paradoxically
It has shown that the daily lives of people around the world are connected as one.
Korea is a proud mid-sized country
To help developed and developing countries better understand each other and coexist
We will fulfill the role of a’cross-linked state’.
RCEP follows Korea-Indonesia CEPA
Speed up FTA with Philippines, Cambodia and Uzbekistan
We will expand exchanges and cooperation with the New Southern and New Northern countries.
Ongoing service investment FTA with China and Russia,
Mercosur, including Brazil and Argentina,
Accelerating negotiations with Pacific alliances such as Mexico,
We will also actively consider joining the CPTPP.
For the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations,
I will keep trying.
Our proven health care capabilities and high citizenship,
The development of excellent cultural capabilities and digital technology,
The will of a carbon-neutral society,
Through the enhanced role and status in the international community
Korea is also in soft power
We will walk confidently on the path of a responsible leading country.
Fellow Koreans,
This year marks the 30th year since the two Koreas joined the UN at the same time.
That peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula will also benefit the international community.
The two Koreas must join hands and prove together.
A Korean Peninsula of peace without war and nuclear weapons
It is our duty to be passed on to our people and our descendants.
The government keeps pace with the launch of the US Biden administration
While strengthening the ROK-US alliance
Pray for a great turn in the stopped dialogue between North and South America.
I will do my last effort.
There are many things that can be achieved only through inter-Korean cooperation.
‘Peace’ means’win-win’.
We have lived infectious diseases, new infectious diseases and natural disasters.
We are aware of our close connection.
We are on board in many problems.
For the survival and safety of the people of North and South Korea
You need to find a way to cooperate.
In the process of responding to corona
We hope to open the waters of’win-win and peace’.
‘Northeast Asia quarantine and health cooperation body’,
Including’Korea-ASEAN Comprehensive Health Care Cooperation’
I hope that the two Koreas will be able to participate in regional dialogue.
Corona cooperation includes livestock epidemics and natural disasters.
About the issues directly related to the safety and survival of the
It could be expanded by cooperation.
When cooperation grows wider
We can go step by step on the path of unification.
The core driver of the peace process on the Korean Peninsula is
Dialogue and win-win cooperation.
Meet anytime, anywhere,
That you can talk in a non-face-to-face way
Our will does not change.
All agreements between the South and North so far,
In particular, the three principles of’no use of war’,’safety between each other’, and’shared prosperity’
In the midst of joint implementation
If you draw support from the international community,
With a focus on East Asia beyond the Korean Peninsula.
The door to’peace, security, and life community’ will open wide.
My fellow citizens,
Masks have been very easy to purchase so far,
It was not an item that attracted much attention in human life.
But when the corona hits, the mask
As a protective device to protect yourself
At the same time, it has become a beautiful item that displays the heart of consideration.
The term’essential worker’ has also emerged.
While suffering corona
Health, care, transportation, environmental beautification, call center workers
Indispensable for our daily maintenance
The hard work of those who play an essential role
I realized it anew.
One of the things we usually see around
I realized at some point that it could be the most important item,
Similarly we
While playing an essential role
The fact that there are still many people who are not properly treated
I came to feel it.
Last year we
I was able to reflect on what is really important to our society.
Recalling that’everyone’s safety is my safety’
We were able to act together.
In 2021, our goal is clear.
It is’recovery’ and’leap’.
I want to add’inclusion’ to it.
Recovering the daily life, recovering the economy,
It will be a year to close the gap.
After the era of Korea discount is over
Advancing to the Korea Premium Era
We will be on the road to leap forward as a leading country.
Last year,
It was the year of rediscovering Korea, a country that is resistant to crisis.
This year in 2021,
Let’s make it a great year of recovery, inclusion and leap forward.
Thank you.
January 11, 2021
Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea