Welcoming in 2019,… President Moon Jae-in held a New Year's event on the first working day of the year,... also giving a New Year's speech that lays out his the country's path moving forward.
And for more we go to our correspondent Shin Se-min joining us on the line.
Se-min,… the president's focus this year was the economy?
Yes,... and Mark I want to start off with the theme of President Moon's New Year's event which is--a more prosperous, safe and peaceful Korea.
At the Korea Federation of the SMEs,... some 300 people were in attendance, including political figures and business tycoons like Samsung Electronics' Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Group's Executive Vice Chair Chung Eui-sun and the heads of SK and LG Groups.
The underlying message,... is the president's goal of steering the country's economy to a better position by using both small-and-mid-sized firms and large businesses to propel economic growth.
The president called on the need for patience,... as the government pushes for innovation in all industries,... and added he will improve the foundations for companies to do business.
"I will strive to make an environment where businesses can invest. Economic development and new jobs all come from business investment."
President Moon added that he will work on creating a safer work environment,... and highlighted his flagship policy of making Korea a more fair and just nation.
"I will do my utmost to help the people of Korea see the result of our policies in their lives in 2019. I will work to make this the first year where people's lives evenly improve and make a society with no inequality."
Yes,… it seems much of the focus for the year seems to be bettering the lives of the public by boosting the economy,… but the president did mention his peace drive with North Korea too?
Right, but ultimately it's also peace and economy.
Towards the end of his New Year's speech, President Moon gave his word that his administration will make efforts so the stream of peace will become a "irreversible wave" in the New Year.
And with the ultimate denuclearization and lasting peace in the region,... he said then the Koreas can actualize the new economic plans like the railway line running from the Korean Peninsula through China and Russia-- all the way to Europe.
He added that such developments will connect with countries to the north of the nation,... and on the southern side-- a community of peace and prosperity-- with ASEAN and Indo-Pacific nations,... ultimately creating an era where peace can give our economy another boost.
Mark?
