Table of Contents
- Vision and Policy Direction of Candidate Lee Jae-myung for a New South Korea
- Analysis of Major Policy Proposals: Economic Recovery and Social Innovation
- Governance and Political Reform: Restoring Democracy and Decentralizing Power
- Pushing for Constitutional Amendment: Introducing a Four-Year Re-Election System and Upholding Democratic Values
- Reform of Prosecutorial and Judicial Systems: Prioritizing People's Livelihood and Eradicating Power-related Corruption
- Reorganization and Reduction of Government Structure: Aiming for Efficient Government Operations
- Economy and People's Livelihood: Stabilizing Livelihood through Recovery and Growth
- Economic Recovery and Growth: Emergency Economic Response TF and Investment in Advanced Industries
- Financial Soundness and Revenue Assurance: Efficient Budget Management
- Support for Small Businesses and People's Livelihood: Alleviating Hardships of Vulnerable Groups
- Labor Policy: Introducing a 4.5-Day Workweek and Improving On-Site Training
- Social Welfare and Quality of Life: Expanding Welfare for an Inclusive Society
- Environment and Energy: Responding to the Climate Crisis and Energy Transition
- Diplomacy and Security: A Pragmatic Approach and Balanced Diplomacy
- Conclusion, Wrap-Up, Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Vision and Policy Direction of Candidate Lee Jae-myung for a New South Korea
With Lee Jae-myung winning the 21st presidential election, there is increasing interest in the policy direction of South Korea for the next five years.
His policy proposals and statements clearly reflect his vision and priorities in various fields including the economy, society, governance, and diplomacy. The elected Lee Jae-myung has effectively demonstrated his leadership style and administrative philosophy through the key policies and election-related statements released over the past month.
Thus, this analysis will serve as important criteria for predicting the policy direction of the next government and will also be a significant factor influencing voter choices. At a time when changes are expected, we need to pay attention to how the specific plans and visions of the elected Lee Jae-myung will be realized.
Analysis of Major Policy Proposals: Economic Recovery and Social Innovation
The elected Lee Jae-myung has put forth policy proposals across several areas in the month leading up to his election, outlining his vision for the next government's operations. These policies can be divided into governance and political reform, economy and livelihood, social welfare and quality of life, environment and energy, and diplomacy and security.
Governance and Political Reform: Restoring Democracy and Decentralizing Power
The elected Lee Jae-myung has set a goal to reorganize the power structure of the presidential system and enhance the transparency of the judicial system to revive democracy. Through this, he has signified his willingness to improve the efficiency of national governance.
Pushing for Constitutional Amendment: Introducing a Four-Year Re-Election System and Upholding Democratic Values
In pushing for constitutional amendments, the elected candidate has proposed adjustments to the presidential term. The main content is the introduction of the 'four-year re-election system,' which allows the incumbent president to only run in the next election, aiming to prevent concentration of power and promote generational change. Additionally, he has expressed intentions to include the spirit of the May 18 democratic movement in the preamble of the constitution and to introduce a presidential runoff voting system to firmly establish democratic values in the constitution and enhance the rationality of the electoral system.
Furthermore, concrete measures for distributing and controlling presidential powers have also been proposed. In particular, when declaring a state of emergency or martial law, prior approval from the National Assembly should be obtained, and if approval is not secured within 24 hours, its effectiveness will automatically expire. Along with this, establishing a system for recommending the Prime Minister through the National Assembly and obtaining National Assembly consent for the appointment of heads of investigative agencies and neutral institutions is mentioned to ensure the independence and neutrality of the executive branch.
These proposals aim to enhance democratic values and decentralize power, showing efforts to develop Korea's political system. If each proposal is successfully implemented, a more stable and transparent political environment is expected to be created.
Reform of Prosecutorial and Judicial Systems: Prioritizing People's Livelihood and Eradicating Power-related Corruption
The position on prosecutorial and judicial reforms is that from the outset of his term, efforts must be focused on restoring the people's economy. For this reason, reforms are expected not to be implemented in haste. This indicates that economic policy is a priority while also recognizing the long-term need to improve the judicial system.
Specifically, there are plans to focus on investigations and punishments of major criminals and related individuals, clarifying the limits of responsibility by stating that the actions of civil servants made solely on instructions will not be questioned. This approach is anticipated to play a key role in indicating the direction of future judicial reform.
Reorganization and Reduction of Government Structure: Aiming for Efficient Government Operations
The elected candidate has made it a major pledge to decentralize presidential powers and reorganize and reduce government structures. This is interpreted as a commitment to enhance the efficiency of an oversized government and to use taxpayers' money more rationally and effectively.
Details on specific reorganization plans have not yet been disclosed, but it is expected to proceed in a direction to reduce inefficiencies in the administrative system along with power decentralization. If such changes are made, better government operations will be possible.
Economy and People's Livelihood: Stabilizing Livelihood through Recovery and Growth
The economic policy of the elected Lee Jae-myung focuses on 'recovery and growth.' The government is taking steps to revitalize the economy through active fiscal spending and investment in advanced industries while aiming to secure the stability of people's livelihoods.
Economic Recovery and Growth: Emergency Economic Response TF and Investment in Advanced Industries
To achieve economic recovery and growth, it has been expressed that an 'Emergency Economic Response Task Force (TF)' led by the president will focus on restoring the people's economy. This TF plans to quickly prepare actionable economic measures to combat recession, with a determination to actively respond to domestic stagnation. Promising to enhance government fiscal spending to boost the economy, it has been stated, “I will ensure that the national finances fulfill their role in restoring the virtuous cycle of the economy and supporting the lives of the people.”
Furthermore, the candidate has said he will lead an era of 100 trillion won in AI investments and make large-scale investments in advanced industries and future technologies, stating “We will advance toward becoming an economic powerhouse.” In the advanced industrial sector, a full introduction of negative regulations is being considered to clarify the commitment to regulatory reform that can invigorate corporate activities. The candidate emphasized that economic policy "must be thoroughly pragmatic" and will not apply ideological standards.
Such policies are expected to contribute not only to the restoration of the people's economy but also to sustainable economic growth. If an environment is created where companies can operate more freely through active government investment and regulatory easing, it could have a positive impact on the overall economy. If this direction is realized, the Korean economy will find new growth engines.
Financial Soundness and Revenue Assurance: Efficient Budget Management
As measures to strengthen financial soundness and securely assure revenues, adjustments of tax expenditures, restructuring of fiscal spending, and a concentrated effort on tax evasion and delinquency management are necessary. The aim is to reorganize tax reductions and reduce unnecessary expenditures to enhance budget efficiency.
Ultimately, the core is to focus investments on more efficient areas to promote rapid growth. Emphasizing that a 2% increase in growth can multiply financial increments significantly, there are expectations that the available budget will greatly increase in a few years. This will serve as an important foundation for securing the capacity to work in the future.
Support for Small Businesses and People's Livelihood: Alleviating Hardships of Vulnerable Groups
Regarding support for small businesses and people's livelihoods, the candidate emphasized that the focus of supplementary budget plans (extra budgets) should not be on industrial support, but rather on alleviating the difficulties of small business sectors and livelihoods. This reflects the recognition that rapid support is needed for the most vulnerable groups and small businesses during economic crises. Given the current situation, this approach is even more vital.
Labor Policy: Introducing a 4.5-Day Workweek and Improving On-Site Training
As a direction for labor policy, the introduction and spread of a 4.5-day workweek have been presented as core pledges. This can be interpreted as an intention to improve the quality of life for workers while simultaneously enhancing productivity.
Moreover, the need for improvement in the on-site training system has also been emphasized. It has been argued that students should be individually assessed on whether they received proper training or merely provided labor. This calls for an overall redesign of the on-site training system and strengthening the state's oversight.
Social Welfare and Quality of Life: Expanding Welfare for an Inclusive Society
The elected Lee Jae-myung considers the enhancement of welfare for socially vulnerable groups, particularly children and disabled persons, to be important. He has also proposed practical policies to improve the living standards of citizens in housing and education sectors.
Welfare Expansion: Strengthening Social Safety Nets through Increased Child Allowances and Disability Pensions
As part of welfare policies, child allowances will be expanded according to the basic income pledge, which will extend the current allowances from 8 years old to 17 years old, providing 200,000 won per child each month. This measure is expected to reduce the burden of parenting for parents and contribute to setting the groundwork for adult children to become independent.
The disability policy includes the expansion of recipients for the 'Disability Pension' to cover up to grade 3 disabilities. The Democratic Party’s 21st presidential election disability policy pledge includes 10 main tasks and 33 detailed tasks, promising the establishment of a '2035 National Disability Strategy', promotion of the enactment of the 'Disability Rights Protection Act', and the creation of a 'One-Stop Customized Public Disability Support System'. Additionally, the enactment of the 'Disability Rights Protection Act', 'Lifelong Education Act for Disabled Persons', and 'Basic Act for Women with Disabilities' is also anticipated, generating significant expectations.
Moreover, there is an expressed intent to strengthen essential medical infrastructure and enact the Basic Life Safety Act to protect the lives and safety of citizens. In the education sector, a pledge was made to reduce the tuition fees of 4-year private universities by half to ensure the basic right to education. Additionally, there are plans to supply housing at 10,000 won monthly rent to reduce housing burdens.
Housing and Real Estate: Expanding Supply and Reducing Regulations, Enhancing Transportation Infrastructure
The promises regarding housing and real estate focus on increasing supply and reducing regulations. In particular, plans are set to revitalize reconstruction and redevelopment to increase housing supply, while expressing a will to promote the reorganization of first-generation new towns such as Bundang and Ilsan, as well as aging planned cities like Suwon and Yongin.
Moreover, there is mention of adjusting the floor area ratio upward and reducing costs for redevelopment and reconstruction in the aging downtown areas of Seoul. This is interpreted as an effort to secure various supply routes along with the development of the fourth-generation new towns.
There is a trend toward easing regulations and taxes on real estate compared to the past. The government emphasizes the importance of supplying sufficient housing to actual consumers, expressing reluctance to impose taxes on speculative buyers. This indicates an aim to stabilize the real estate market through rational policies rather than excessive regulation while respecting market autonomy. Such changes are expected to positively influence the real estate market in the future.
The direction for expanding public rental housing is maintained, promising to gradually increase the quality of public rental housing and the proportion of public rentals.
Additionally, a proposal has been made to expand the metropolitan express train (GTX) system, which affects housing prices. It is planned to smoothly promote the GTX-A, B, C lines and their extensions, while the GTX-D, E, and F lines will be developed progressively. Furthermore, plans for the 'GTX Plus Lines' are also actively under consideration.
In addition, there is a plan to promote the construction of metropolitan express trains in five ultra-wide regions to enhance regional balanced development and transportation convenience simultaneously. This plan is expected to contribute to improving living conditions and transportation infrastructure in the future.
Environment and Energy: Responding to the Climate Crisis and Energy Transition
The elected Lee Jae-myung highlights the need for climate change and energy transition while showing differences with civil society's stance on nuclear power policies. This difference in stance is expected to influence future policy discussions.
Responding to the Climate Crisis and Energy Transition: Establishing the 'Climate Energy Department' and Expanding Renewable Energy
To respond to climate change and accelerate energy transition, a plan to establish the 'Climate Energy Department' has been announced. Environmental groups emphasize the need for expanding decentralized renewable energy and regional decentralization of energy transition as essential elements in the era of climate crisis, requesting the elected Lee Jae-myung to pursue policies based on renewable energy.
In particular, plans to establish large offshore wind power complexes in the Shinan area and to introduce a “Wind Pension” system that shares a portion of the profits generated from the power plants with local residents have been outlined. Through these efforts, the aim is to revitalize the local economy and increase residents' income.
Nuclear Phase-Out Policy: Discussion with Civil Society and Ensuring Policy Consistency
As discussions on nuclear phase-out policies deepen, it has been revealed that there is a lack of consistent messaging regarding energy policies within the elected candidate’s camp. This can be interpreted as a sign indicating that internal coordination and clear positioning are needed in future policy implementation processes.
Environmental groups strongly urge the candidate to dismiss Lee Un-joo, the co-chairperson of the campaign committee, and to promise a nuclear phase-out. They argue that the 'Nuclear Industry Policy Agreement' signed by Lee Un-joo with the nuclear industry includes contents similar to the Yoon Seok-yeol government's promotion of nuclear power, such as extending the life of aging nuclear power plants, constructing new nuclear plants and SMRs (Small Modular Reactors), and exporting nuclear power plants.
This criticism reveals the discord between the candidate's past emphasis on the unsustainability of nuclear power and his policy direction focusing on renewable energy. Ultimately, the nuclear phase-out policy is expected to have significant influence on the candidate's energy policy direction in the future.
Diplomacy and Security: A Pragmatic Approach and Balanced Diplomacy
The elected Lee Jae-myung's foreign and security policies consist of two main pillars. First, there is a goal to strengthen a robust defense capability, and second, to deepen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Through this, he emphasizes a pragmatic approach based on dialogue and cooperation.
North Korea Policy: Strengthening Defense Capability while Pursuing Dialogue
Regarding North Korea policy, the candidate argues that the military and defense capabilities must be further strengthened. He has also mentioned the need to solidify the security cooperation between South Korea and the U.S.
At the same time, he emphasizes the necessity of seeking coexistence through dialogue and cooperation. This indicates an intention to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula through a flexible and pragmatic approach rather than merely a hardline stance.
International Relations and Diplomatic Stance: Seeking Mutual Respect and Responsible Middle Power Role
Regarding international relations and diplomacy, the elected candidate emphasizes that solutions must be sought in directions that benefit both parties, based on the founding principles of mutual respect and fairness. This shows a practical approach that aims for balanced diplomacy that goes beyond unilateral relationships and considers each other’s interests.
Moreover, he mentioned that Korean diplomacy should not only consider its interests but also realize universal values responsibly for coexistence and prosperity at a global level. This aspiration presents an important direction for South Korea to be recognized as a trustworthy partner in the international community.
Conclusion, Wrap-Up, Summary
As a comprehensive overview of the policies and presidential remarks presented by Lee Jae-myung in May 2025, his election strategy and governance philosophy can be summarized in three main directions. This ethos is expected to significantly influence future policy decisions.
First, restoring the people's economy based on pragmatism has been presented as the top priority.
The candidate plans to establish an emergency economic response task force under the presidency, expand fiscal spending, and plan large-scale investments in advanced industries. Furthermore, he has shown firm resolve to restore vitality to the economy and achieve stability for the people's livelihoods through the introduction of negative regulations.
His economic policy focuses on practicality rather than ideology, aiming to achieve a balance between growth and distribution but prioritizing growth in the current situation. This can be seen as a responsible attitude toward overcoming the current economic difficulties and improving the quality of life for the citizens.
Second, there is a commitment to strong governance and political reform, seeking to restore democracy and check power.
Efforts to include the four-year re-election system in constitutional amendments and include the spirit of the May 18 in the constitution, along with introducing a presidential runoff voting system and strengthening controls over martial law powers, indicate an effort to prevent the abuse of presidential power, enhance the National Assembly's oversight function, and secure democratic legitimacy.
While making judicial and prosecutorial reform long-term tasks, there is a principle of strong punishment for major accomplices and an intent to respond sternly to power-related corruption. This reflects a strong will to build a more transparent and accountable national system by learning from past negative political experiences.
Third, a vision for building a stable and sustainable South Korea is presented through an inclusive society and balanced diplomatic and security policies.
In order to strengthen welfare policies for socially vulnerable groups, the candidate is expanding the coverage of child allowances and disability pensions and is also pushing for the enactment of the disability rights protection law. Additionally, he is moving toward enhancing workers' rights and quality of life through the introduction of a 4.5-day workweek and improving on-site training systems.
In housing policies, the aim is to ensure housing stability through expanding supply and relaxing regulations centered on actual demand while promoting regional balanced development through the GTX expansion. This is part of efforts to improve the quality of life for citizens in various ways.
In the areas of diplomacy and security, he is maintaining the Korea-U.S. alliance based on strong defense capabilities while emphasizing a pragmatic North Korea policy that values dialogue and cooperation. Such approaches express a determination to fulfill the role of a responsible middle power in the international community.
While the policies presented by Lee Jae-myung are extensive and comprehensive, further clarification on specific implementation plans or funding strategies is required in some areas.
In particular, concerning responses to the climate crisis and energy transition, differences in opinions regarding the role of nuclear power are likely to arise with civil society. This is expected to become an important discussion area in the policy implementation process.
Overall, the elected Lee Jae-myung is focused on overcoming the current economic crisis in South Korea and stabilizing the people's livelihoods. At the same time, he aims to pursue structural reforms for long-term national development and the restoration of democracy.
The practical attitude and performance-oriented governance commitment sensed in his comments are expected to evoke both stability and anticipation among voters. This aspect could positively influence future policy execution.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What are the main contents of the constitutional amendments being pursued by President Lee Jae-myung?
Introducing a four-year re-election system, including the spirit of May 18 in the constitution, and the presidential runoff voting system as the main pillars of the amendment.
President Lee Jae-myung has proposed adjustments to the presidential term through constitutional amendments. This is aimed at preventing the concentration of power and promoting generational change. Additionally, he has stated the intention to include the spirit of the May 18 democratic movement in the preamble of the constitution and to establish a presidential runoff voting system to strengthen democratic values in the constitution. Furthermore, specific measures to enhance prior approval procedures from the National Assembly when declaring emergencies or martial law are included to prevent abuse of power.
Q. What is the core direction of President Lee Jae-myung's economic policy?
Establishing an Emergency Economic Response Task Force, investing in advanced industries, and introducing negative regulations to promote economic recovery and growth.
President Lee Jae-myung plans to establish an Emergency Economic Response Task Force (TF) under the presidency, focusing on the recovery of the people's economy. Simultaneously, he is pursuing large-scale investments in advanced industries such as AI and semiconductors while aiming to introduce negative regulations to invigorate business activities. This pragmatic economic policy rightfully balances growth and livelihood stability while prioritizing growth in the current circumstances.
Q. What changes are expected in social welfare policies?
Expansion of child allowance eligibility, increase in disability pensions, and promotion of the Disability Rights Protection Act.
President Lee Jae-myung intends to extend child allowances from the current 8 years to 17 years to reduce the burden of parenting and lay the groundwork for the independence of children. In terms of disability welfare, he plans to expand the eligibility for disability pensions up to grade 3 while also enacting laws related to the Disability Rights Protection Act to strengthen inclusive and customized services for disabled individuals. Furthermore, comprehensive welfare policies aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens in housing and education will be pursued simultaneously.
Q. What are the key directions in housing and real estate policies?
Increasing housing supply, revitalizing reconstruction and redevelopment, easing regulations, and enhancing transportation infrastructure will be prioritized.
The government plans to resolve housing issues by increasing supply through the revitalization of reconstruction and redevelopment. Specifically, efforts will be made to improve the housing environment through the reorganization of first-generation new towns and aging urban areas while focusing on increasing the floor area ratio and lowering financial contributions in old urban centers in Seoul. Moreover, the strategy emphasizes stabilizing the market based on actual demand rather than imposing taxes on speculative buyers, while simultaneously expanding express train routes to promote regional balanced development and transportation convenience.
Q. What is the direction of President Lee Jae-myung's foreign and North Korea policy?
Emphasizing robust defense capabilities and strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance, while advocating for a practical strategy of dialogue and cooperation.
In terms of foreign and security policy, President Lee Jae-myung bases his strategy on the enhancement of robust defense and the deepening of the Korea-U.S. alliance. His North Korea policy aims to reinforce military capabilities while seeking coexistence through dialogue and cooperation. This reflects a practical approach that balances hardline stance with dialogue, aiming to achieve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, along with an assertion of responsible middle-power roles in the international community centered on mutual respect and fairness.