The word most frequently used by President Lee Jae-myung in his inauguration address as the 21st president of Korea was 'growth.' He also used 'world' 18 times (including 'global'), 'economy' and 'culture' each 12 times. 'Peace' and 'democracy' were mentioned 10 and 9 times, respectively, signaling a commitment to establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula and completing democracy.
◇ economic direction is 'growth'... core keywords are 'fairness·sustainable growth'
President Lee's prescription for the current situation in Korea, diagnosed as an 'economic and livelihood crisis,' was 'growth.' President Lee said, "It's time to revive the people's livelihood on the brink and restore 'growth' to create a happy tomorrow for everyone," adding, "I will create a continuously growing and developing society."
President Lee said, "Restoring growth and correcting the damaged national dignity will require unimaginable sweat, tears, and endurance," stressing that the path to growth will not be smooth and urging national patience.
He further stated, “I will solidly support so that corporate leaders can freely start businesses, grow and compete in the global market,” noting, “Innovation and new growth are possible only if the country accommodates challenges.” This emphasized that corporations are the main drivers of national growth and highlighted the importance of establishing a social safety net for innovative challenges.
He also noted, "Both individuals and the nation must grow to share," and "Growth and distribution are not contradictory but complementary." This acknowledges that the construction of the 'basic society,' which is part of Lee Jae-myung’s economic philosophy, is impossible without a foundation of growth, interpreted as revealing a 'growth-first, distribution-later' economic view.
On this day, President Lee also presented 'fair growth' and 'sustainable growth' as keywords for the growth model in his inauguration address. He stated, “Polarization due to inequality has become a barrier to growth,” and “Sharing the opportunities and fruits of growth evenly is the path of sustainable growth.”
◇ Korea in the world... Emphasizing 'a cultural and democratic powerhouse'
Following growth, the word mentioned most was 'world.' It was used a total of 19 times, combined with the expression 'global.' This is interpreted as emphasizing Korea’s challenge toward the global stage.
In his inauguration address, President Lee highlighted Korea's position in the world by using expressions such as “a country leading the world with the power of high culture” and “Korea as a model of democracy for the world.” He expressed confidence in future Korea, stating, “What Korea does will become the world’s standard.”
'Culture' also appeared a total of 12 times. President Lee quoted Kim Gu, saying, “The only thing I want endlessly is the power of high culture,” and declared, “I will create a country where culture blooms.” He added, “Culture is economy, and culture is international competitiveness,” stating that “The international craze for Korean culture should be consolidated into cultural industry development and good jobs.” This part of his inauguration address reaffirms his intention to foster the content industry.
'Peace' and 'democracy' are words found throughout the inauguration address. President Lee stated, “Peace is the economy” and vowed to “build a safe and peaceful country.” Particularly regarding North Korea policy, he emphasized differentiation from previous governments by declaring, “We will open channels of communication with North Korea and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation.”
Additionally, President Lee defined the current period after declaring martial law and the inauguration of a new government as “a time to revive democracy.” He continued, “A country in the East is now opening a new chapter in the world history of democracy by suppressing a military coup by the supreme leader with bare cheer sticks,” adding, “The five-colored light revolution, K-democracy, has set a clear example for people worldwide seeking a new path for democracy at risk.”
President Lee also expressed a commitment to unity through his inauguration address. Mentioning 'unity' five times, he noted, “I will be the 'president of everyone,' encompassing and serving all citizens.” He also said, “Unity is a measure of competence, while division is the result of incompetence,” and stated, “I will be the president who ends divisive politics and will overcome the crisis by drawing on national unity.”
Regarding the government's identity, he proposed 'a justly unified government, a flexible practical government.'