Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

New Year's address from President Moon Jae-in

Pledged to work together for the Korean Peninsula peace process

Continue a dynamic force for dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington

Urgently seeking practical ways to promote inter-Korean collaboration

Accelerate New Southern Policy for diplomatic diversification

On February 7, President Moon Jae-in pledged that Korea would strengthen the alliance with the U.S. at the highest levels, while stressing the opportunity for Korea-China relations to take a 'leap forward' presented by the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.

In his New Year's address, given from the main office of Cheong Wa Dae, President Moon signaled the priorities for the national administration this year.

In particular, the government will try to ensure a stronger Korea-US alliance while accelerating New Southern and Northern Policies to diversify our diplomacy.

He also explained, "We will develop our traditional alliance with the U.S. at a higher level, work together to complete the Korean Peninsula Peace Process, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in a range of sectors."

On Japan, he added, "Japan is our closest neighbor, and we intend to build a forward-looking and cooperative relationship between our two countries. If Japan calls off the current export restraints, it will enable the Korea-Japan relationship to develop even faster." 

The president suggested that the way to defuse tension on the Korean Peninsula was through North Korea-US and inter-Korean dialogue.

He said, "The momentum behind the dialogue between the North and the U.S. should persist. Saber rattling and threats don't do anybody any good. Now, North Korea and the U.S. are at a standstill, and this situation is causing concerns over a potential setback in inter-Korean relations. I feel keenly that we need to work together for a successful dialogue between North Korea and the U.S., and to seek practical ways to promote further inter-Korean collaboration."

"We need to ensure that any international solutions are faithful to 3 principles: the avoidance of war, ensuring mutual security, and providing for our common prosperity. But there are still things to be done through collaboration with North Korea. I'm suggesting that the two Koreas sincerely put our heads together," he mentioned.

On safety issues, he commented, "Our government has been working to protect the lives of the Korean people by addressing three critical issues: traffic accidents, industrial accidents, and suicide. We are also considering comprehensive measures for fine dust, including the enactment of a special law. We will push for stronger enforcement of our existing policies in this area, and ensure the safety of people by adding security measures for children."

"Fairness is like oxygen for our economy and society. When fairness is ensured, we can expect innovation. I am keenly aware of the high demand for fairness, and my government will live up to this demand. Fairness must be ensured and seen in all areas of Korean life – in education, recruitment, workplace, society, and culture. I promise to dramatically improve the level of fairness in all the fields of people's lives, to ensure a sound culture of ethics in our society."

He also emphasized, "The global situation is still changing rapidly. We're living in the fourth industrial revolution, and international competition is becoming even tougher. Protectionism and technology hegemony are spreading. When our society becomes more integrated and cooperative, we can win the competition and continue to advance."

"Extremism should be rejected, and conservatives and progressives should understand each other and hold each other's hands. I'll start first. I'll put a win-win leap forward through reliable changes at the top of our agenda, to communicate with the people more often," President Moon finally added.

The President's 25-minute New Year's address was shown live on TV. With a new blueprint for government administration four years into his term, the New Year's address mentioned other prospects in various fields, including education, exports, work, labor, and real-estate speculation. After his speech, he headed for the Cabinet meeting hall to preside over the first Cabinet meeting of the New Year.

By Joo-Hyeong, Lee < jataka@dema.mil.kr >

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