President Lee Outlines Ambitious Five-Year Plan, Prioritizing Constitutional Reform and Diplomatic Engagement
Seoul, South Korea – – President Lee Jae Myung is moving forward with a comprehensive five-year policy agenda, detailing 123 national tasks that span constitutional reform, industrial growth, and a renewed focus on international relations. The announcement of these tasks comes after a period of political transition following an early presidential election and without the benefit of a traditional transition committee.
The sweeping plan, unveiled on , places constitutional revision as the government’s top priority. According to the State Affairs Planning Committee, the aim is to build a “new governance system that embodies the spirit of popular sovereignty.” This signals a strong commitment to reform across multiple sectors of government.
Key areas targeted for reform include the prosecution, police, and Board of Audit and Inspection, with the intention of addressing concentrated power. The agenda also seeks to prevent military interference in politics and to reshape the governance of public broadcasters. These proposed changes suggest a significant effort to modernize and democratize South Korea’s institutions.
Beyond institutional reforms, President Lee’s plan emphasizes fiscal innovation to improve state governance efficiency and regulatory streamlining to bolster domestic demand and stabilize livelihoods. The government is also prioritizing economic security and trade, aiming to reinforce coordination and integration of economic security policies and take a leading role in global economic diplomacy.
Diplomatic Strategy Focused on Pragmatism and National Interest
A central pillar of President Lee’s vision is a pragmatic approach to diplomacy, centered on national interest. The government intends to enhance relations with the United States, Japan, China, and Russia, viewing these four major countries as crucial partners. This includes developing the ROK-U.S. Alliance into a “future-oriented, comprehensive strategic alliance,” fostering a “solid and mature ROK-Japan relationship,” and nurturing the ROK-China Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
The administration also aims to elevate South Korea’s standing on the global stage, aspiring to become a G7+ diplomatic power. This ambition involves diversifying diplomatic engagement, proactively addressing global challenges, and implementing effective Official Development Assistance (ODA). The plan calls for broader engagement of the private sector, civil society, and citizens in public diplomacy, alongside strengthening the role of overseas missions as platforms for promoting “K-initiative” – a strategy to advance South Korean interests and influence internationally.
On the Korean Peninsula, the Lee administration is shifting towards a policy of reconciliation and cooperation with North Korea. The goal is to institutionalize multifaceted exchanges and peaceful coexistence, transforming “the Korean Peninsula risk into the Korean Peninsula premium.” Details of this approach remain to be fully elaborated, but the stated intention marks a departure from previous strategies.
Inaugural Address Emphasized Unity and Reconciliation
President Lee’s commitment to national unity was a central theme of his inaugural address on . He pledged to break with an era of divisive politics and serve as a “president for all,” regardless of political affiliation. He called for the country to move beyond ideological polarization and focus on the challenges facing the nation.
“It is time to build bridges of coexistence, reconciliation and solidarity over the hatred and confrontation that have divided us,” President Lee stated in his address. “Now is the moment to open wide an era of happiness for the people, filled with dreams and hope.”
The President’s election, where he secured 49.42 percent of the vote compared to Kim Moon-soo’s 41.15 percent, followed a period of political turmoil. His administration now faces the task of implementing its ambitious agenda and uniting a nation grappling with deep divisions.
Recent reports also indicate that President Lee is addressing domestic economic concerns, including pressure on multiple homeowners to sell properties. However, details surrounding this initiative remain limited.
