President Moon Jae-in has moved to reassure the public in South Korea that his administration is dedicated to improving the economy and eliminating inequality.
Giving a New Year's address on Wednesday,... the South Korean leader also pledged to continue denuclearization and peace efforts.
Shin Se-min reports.
President Moon Jae-in's proposal for the brand new year of 2019... is to build a nation in which everyone can prosper together.
In his New Year's speech, President Moon urged the creation of a new economic model for South Korea,... saying the country's economy right now faces the challenge of persistently slow growth.
His plan for the coming 12 months... is to improve the lives of the people across the board.
"In 2019, I will do my utmost to help the people of Korea see the results of our policies in their lives. I will work to make this the first year in which people's lives improve evenly, and in which we overcome inequality."
The president said he will call for interested parties to make compromises and concessions... so that economic growth can be felt by everyone -- something he said will require patience.
On the issue of job creation,... the president also promised to build 30-thousand smart factories and to create a regulatory sandbox for new businesses in the IT and communication sectors.
On his drive for ultimate peace,... the president promised to do even more... and to cement the gains already made.
"The peace we enjoy now is still temporary. In the new year, the government will do its best to turn this stream of peace into a big, irreversible wave."
He said through the ultimate denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,... the country can open up an era of peace and prosperity.
"And looking ahead,... President Moon said peace on the Korean Peninsula will connect countries to the north and south of the nation,... including Russia, China and Southeast Asia,... ultimately creating an era in which regional peace gives the economy another push.
Shin Se-min, Arirang News."
