Moon Jae-in PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
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A Nation of the People, A Just Republic of Korea I will become a president for everyone I will be a president who communicates with others. I will exert my authority in a humble and modest manner. I will build a country stronger than it has ever been. The opportunities will be equitable, the process will be fair and the result will be just. May 10, 2017, Inaugural Address by President Moon Jae-in
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A Nation of the People, A Just Republic of Korea I will become a president for everyone I will be a president who communicates with others. I will exert my authority in a humble and modest manner. I will build a country stronger than it has ever been. The opportunities will be equitable, the process will be fair and the result will be just. May 10, 2017, Inaugural Address by President Moon Jae-in
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Early Life of Moon Jae-in
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Early Life of Moon Jae-in
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Son of Refugees
President Moon Jae-in was born into a farming family on the southeastern island of Geoje on January 24, 1953. His parents were refugees who had left North Korea's northeastern port of Heungnam to seek shelter during the Korean War and settled on Geoje. Around the time he entered elementary school, the Moon family moved to Yeongdo island, Busan. Despite the financial difficulties of his family, he was admitted to the prestigious Gyeongnam Middle School and Gyeongnam High School and graduated with high marks. When he passed the entrance examination to Gyeongnam Middle School, his
Turbulent Adolescence
father, who was taciturn most of the time, did not conceal how proud he was and took his son to the Gukje Market in Busan, also called the Nampodong International Market, to buy him his school uniform. Poverty prevented him from doing many things he wanted to do, yet it also helped him stand on his own feet. In addition, memories of his childhood spent in poverty taught him lifelong lessons and served as an opportunity to make up his mind not to turn away from those in need but to give them a helping hand.
Moon Jae-in as a Gyeongnam High School Student (back row, middle)
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He graduated from middle and high schools in Busan, the second largest city in Korea. He was a student who loved reading books and was very warm-hearted, as exemplified by his carrying a disabled friend on his back during a school field trip. After entering university, he became a leader of the student democratization movement against Park Chung-hee’s dictatorial regime. He ended up being arrested and released with a suspended jail term but was then forcibly conscripted into the special forces. After finishing his military service, he devoted himself to the democratization movement again while preparing for the bar
exam. He wound up being arrested and detained. It was in a detention facility at a police station where he heard the news that he had passed the bar exam.
President Moon Jae-in following his university graduation ceremony (front row, middle. August 1980)
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Son of Refugees
President Moon Jae-in was born into a farming family on the southeastern island of Geoje on January 24, 1953. His parents were refugees who had left North Korea's northeastern port of Heungnam to seek shelter during the Korean War and settled on Geoje. Around the time he entered elementary school, the Moon family moved to Yeongdo island, Busan. Despite the financial difficulties of his family, he was admitted to the prestigious Gyeongnam Middle School and Gyeongnam High School and graduated with high marks. When he passed the entrance examination to Gyeongnam Middle School, his
Turbulent Adolescence
father, who was taciturn most of the time, did not conceal how proud he was and took his son to the Gukje Market in Busan, also called the Nampodong International Market, to buy him his school uniform. Poverty prevented him from doing many things he wanted to do, yet it also helped him stand on his own feet. In addition, memories of his childhood spent in poverty taught him lifelong lessons and served as an opportunity to make up his mind not to turn away from those in need but to give them a helping hand.
Moon Jae-in as a Gyeongnam High School Student (back row, middle)
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He graduated from middle and high schools in Busan, the second largest city in Korea. He was a student who loved reading books and was very warm-hearted, as exemplified by his carrying a disabled friend on his back during a school field trip. After entering university, he became a leader of the student democratization movement against Park Chung-hee’s dictatorial regime. He ended up being arrested and released with a suspended jail term but was then forcibly conscripted into the special forces. After finishing his military service, he devoted himself to the democratization movement again while preparing for the bar
exam. He wound up being arrested and detained. It was in a detention facility at a police station where he heard the news that he had passed the bar exam.
President Moon Jae-in following his university graduation ceremony (front row, middle. August 1980)
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Human Rights Lawyer In 1982, he graduated second from the Judicial Research and Training Institute, but was disqualified from becoming a judge due to his involvement in the protest against the Yusin Constitution of 1972, which was enacted to provide the basis for dictatorial rule. There was a job offer with favorable terms from a major law firm, but he turned it down believing that a lawyer has to help those suffering through no fault of their own. He went back to Busan to start his career as a lawyer, and he first met the future President Roh Moo-hyun there. He did not intend to work as a human rights lawyer from the outset. At that time, however, there were many cases involving student and labor movements. He did not turn his face away from workers who ended up seeking help from him after suffering oppression. Earnestly sympathetic to their plights, he did his best to defend them. Many people who were involved in student movements at that time recall meeting him so often that they became bored with his presence.
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Human Rights Lawyer In 1982, he graduated second from the Judicial Research and Training Institute, but was disqualified from becoming a judge due to his involvement in the protest against the Yusin Constitution of 1972, which was enacted to provide the basis for dictatorial rule. There was a job offer with favorable terms from a major law firm, but he turned it down believing that a lawyer has to help those suffering through no fault of their own. He went back to Busan to start his career as a lawyer, and he first met the future President Roh Moo-hyun there. He did not intend to work as a human rights lawyer from the outset. At that time, however, there were many cases involving student and labor movements. He did not turn his face away from workers who ended up seeking help from him after suffering oppression. Earnestly sympathetic to their plights, he did his best to defend them. Many people who were involved in student movements at that time recall meeting him so often that they became bored with his presence.
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Politician Moon Jae-in
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Politician Moon Jae-in
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Awakening to Politics
It was his father who first helped the young Moon Jae-in open his eyes to politics. In his childhood, he could find delight in reading thanks to his father who used to buy him books on his return home after sales trips. During his middle and high school years, he avidly read all the books he could lay his hands on one after another. In the process, he developed his own perspective on society. When a college student in the neighborhood visited his house, his father gave him detailed explanations about social affairs. During their conversations, Moon started to grasp fundamental knowledge from which he developed a critical awareness of social injustice that later enabled analytical thinking.
The Participatory Government
Moon Jae-in was appointed Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs after Roh Moohyun was elected President in 2003. Although Moon was a human rights lawyer who played a role as a critic of those in power and had no experience in running state or administrative affairs, he accepted the offer after being persuaded by President Roh and First Lady Kwon Yang-sook. After working hard as Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs, he became as Chief of Staff for President Roh Moo-hyun and served in that position until both left Cheong Wa Dae in 2008. For the five years of the Participatory Government, Moon held fast to the position that any provocative acts detrimental to peace on the Korean Peninsula must not be tolerated. However, he also took the lead in paving the way for cooperation and peaceful exchanges between the two Koreas, working as the Chairperson of the Promotion Committee for the South-North Summit.
Cheong Wa Dae Chief of Staff Moon Jae-in calling on former President Kim Dae-jung
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Awakening to Politics
It was his father who first helped the young Moon Jae-in open his eyes to politics. In his childhood, he could find delight in reading thanks to his father who used to buy him books on his return home after sales trips. During his middle and high school years, he avidly read all the books he could lay his hands on one after another. In the process, he developed his own perspective on society. When a college student in the neighborhood visited his house, his father gave him detailed explanations about social affairs. During their conversations, Moon started to grasp fundamental knowledge from which he developed a critical awareness of social injustice that later enabled analytical thinking.
The Participatory Government
Moon Jae-in was appointed Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs after Roh Moohyun was elected President in 2003. Although Moon was a human rights lawyer who played a role as a critic of those in power and had no experience in running state or administrative affairs, he accepted the offer after being persuaded by President Roh and First Lady Kwon Yang-sook. After working hard as Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs, he became as Chief of Staff for President Roh Moo-hyun and served in that position until both left Cheong Wa Dae in 2008. For the five years of the Participatory Government, Moon held fast to the position that any provocative acts detrimental to peace on the Korean Peninsula must not be tolerated. However, he also took the lead in paving the way for cooperation and peaceful exchanges between the two Koreas, working as the Chairperson of the Promotion Committee for the South-North Summit.
Cheong Wa Dae Chief of Staff Moon Jae-in calling on former President Kim Dae-jung
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Elected President by the Largest Margin in History
The sudden passing of President Roh Moo-hyun in May 2009 shocked the entire nation, including Moon Jae-in. He assumed the role of a chief mourner and oversaw the overall procedures from the announcement of death to presiding over meetings for the funeral preparations. President Roh had been a friend to him, a comrade and the person who led him into politics. Moon was elected a National Assemblyman in the election for the 19 th National Assembly, representing Sasang-gu District, Busan. He was narrowly defeated in the 18th presidential election as the sole candidate representing the entire opposition. From 2015 to January 2016, he was the Chairperson of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy, and he retained that position when the party name was changed to the Democratic Party of Korea. In November 2016, he was at forefront of efforts to impeach former President Park Geun-hye and spoke for and stayed together with the people who took part in the candlelight protests from the beginning to the end, lamenting that the country was not functioning properly. A snap presidential election was held after the Constitutional Court voted unanimously to remove President Park from office. He ran for the presidency as the Democratic Party nominee, declaring that he would uphold the will of the people and help create a new Republic of Korea. On the strength of full support from the public, he won by the widest margin in Korean presidential election history and was elected President for the 19th term. 12
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Elected President by the Largest Margin in History
The sudden passing of President Roh Moo-hyun in May 2009 shocked the entire nation, including Moon Jae-in. He assumed the role of a chief mourner and oversaw the overall procedures from the announcement of death to presiding over meetings for the funeral preparations. President Roh had been a friend to him, a comrade and the person who led him into politics. Moon was elected a National Assemblyman in the election for the 19 th National Assembly, representing Sasang-gu District, Busan. He was narrowly defeated in the 18th presidential election as the sole candidate representing the entire opposition. From 2015 to January 2016, he was the Chairperson of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy, and he retained that position when the party name was changed to the Democratic Party of Korea. In November 2016, he was at forefront of efforts to impeach former President Park Geun-hye and spoke for and stayed together with the people who took part in the candlelight protests from the beginning to the end, lamenting that the country was not functioning properly. A snap presidential election was held after the Constitutional Court voted unanimously to remove President Park from office. He ran for the presidency as the Democratic Party nominee, declaring that he would uphold the will of the people and help create a new Republic of Korea. On the strength of full support from the public, he won by the widest margin in Korean presidential election history and was elected President for the 19th term. 12
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A Nation of the People, A Just Republic of Korea
• Realizing a Democracy by Popular Sovereignty • Promoting Unity via Communication with the People • Creating a Transparent and Capable Government • Reforming Law Enforcement Authorities Democratically
• Providing Inclusive Welfare • Providing Full Government Support for Childcare and Education • Creating a Safe Society to Protect the Public • Fostering a Fair Society that Respects Labor and Promotes Gender Equality • Building a Country Where Liberty, Creativity and Culture Thrive
• Fostering a Job-creating Economy for Income-driven Growth • Making a Vibrant and Fair Economy • Creating an Economy for the Working and Middle Classes • Preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution by Supporting the Advancement of Science and Technology • Promoting Innovative Growth and Startups Led by Small and Medium-sized Business Ventures
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A Government of the People
Well-balanced Development across Every Region
A Nation Taking Responsibility for Each Individual
A Peaceful and Prosperous Korean Peninsula
An Economy Pursuing Mutual Prosperity
Five-year Plan for the Administration of State Affairs
• Promoting Autonomy and Decentralization to Realize Grassroots Democracy • Ensuring Well-balanced National Development for Mutual Prosperity • Developing Rural Communities Where People Want to Live
NATIONAL SECURITY GOALS • Peacefully Resolving the North Korean Nuclear Issue and Bringing about Permanent Peace • Contributing to Peace and Prosperity in Northeast Asia and the Rest of the World • Realizing a Safe Society to Protect the Public NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY DIRECTION • Taking the Initiative in Promoting Peace and Prosperity on the Korean Peninsula • Maintaining Strong National Security with Dependable National Defense • Pursuing Balanced Diplomacy for Cooperation • Securing Public Safety and P rotecting the People’s Rights and Interests NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY TASKS • Pursuing Denuclearization and Permanent Peace on the Korean Peninsula • Advancing Sustainable Inter-Korean Relations and Realizing Shared Prosperity • Reinforcing Korea-led Defense Capabilities Building on the ROK-U.S. Alliance • Implementing Pragmatic D iplomacy Focusing on the People and National Interests • Bolstering the National Crisis Management System to Make the Republic of Korea Safer
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A Nation of the People, A Just Republic of Korea
• Realizing a Democracy by Popular Sovereignty • Promoting Unity via Communication with the People • Creating a Transparent and Capable Government • Reforming Law Enforcement Authorities Democratically
• Providing Inclusive Welfare • Providing Full Government Support for Childcare and Education • Creating a Safe Society to Protect the Public • Fostering a Fair Society that Respects Labor and Promotes Gender Equality • Building a Country Where Liberty, Creativity and Culture Thrive
• Fostering a Job-creating Economy for Income-driven Growth • Making a Vibrant and Fair Economy • Creating an Economy for the Working and Middle Classes • Preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution by Supporting the Advancement of Science and Technology • Promoting Innovative Growth and Startups Led by Small and Medium-sized Business Ventures
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A Government of the People
Well-balanced Development across Every Region
A Nation Taking Responsibility for Each Individual
A Peaceful and Prosperous Korean Peninsula
An Economy Pursuing Mutual Prosperity
Five-year Plan for the Administration of State Affairs
• Promoting Autonomy and Decentralization to Realize Grassroots Democracy • Ensuring Well-balanced National Development for Mutual Prosperity • Developing Rural Communities Where People Want to Live
NATIONAL SECURITY GOALS • Peacefully Resolving the North Korean Nuclear Issue and Bringing about Permanent Peace • Contributing to Peace and Prosperity in Northeast Asia and the Rest of the World • Realizing a Safe Society to Protect the Public NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY DIRECTION • Taking the Initiative in Promoting Peace and Prosperity on the Korean Peninsula • Maintaining Strong National Security with Dependable National Defense • Pursuing Balanced Diplomacy for Cooperation • Securing Public Safety and P rotecting the People’s Rights and Interests NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY TASKS • Pursuing Denuclearization and Permanent Peace on the Korean Peninsula • Advancing Sustainable Inter-Korean Relations and Realizing Shared Prosperity • Reinforcing Korea-led Defense Capabilities Building on the ROK-U.S. Alliance • Implementing Pragmatic D iplomacy Focusing on the People and National Interests • Bolstering the National Crisis Management System to Make the Republic of Korea Safer
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A Government Forging a Framework for the Next 100 Years
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The national achievements that have been obtained over the past century under the name of the Republic of Korea now should be brought to fruition for the lives of the people. The fruit of national accomplishments attained by the people’s blood and sweat should return to all the people. A society where just and fair opportunities are guaranteed for everyone constitutes a strong foundation for the coming century. We should, without fail, end the era of privilege and deceit in which the privileged conspire, collude and pursue a symbiotic relationship with each other and cause frustration and inflict hardships on the daily lives of the people. The next one hundred years should advance in a way that creates a new century that is qualitatively different from the past. We need to usher in an era of peace and prosperity by standing in the center of history, not the periphery. For another century, we will inherit the wishes of our forefathers and accept the calling requested by the new era. We will audaciously step forward together with the people to achieve an innovative, inclusive nation; a just Republic of Korea; and a Korean Peninsula of peace and prosperity. Remarks at 14th Cabinet Meeting on April 9, 2019
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A Government Forging a Framework for the Next 100 Years
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The national achievements that have been obtained over the past century under the name of the Republic of Korea now should be brought to fruition for the lives of the people. The fruit of national accomplishments attained by the people’s blood and sweat should return to all the people. A society where just and fair opportunities are guaranteed for everyone constitutes a strong foundation for the coming century. We should, without fail, end the era of privilege and deceit in which the privileged conspire, collude and pursue a symbiotic relationship with each other and cause frustration and inflict hardships on the daily lives of the people. The next one hundred years should advance in a way that creates a new century that is qualitatively different from the past. We need to usher in an era of peace and prosperity by standing in the center of history, not the periphery. For another century, we will inherit the wishes of our forefathers and accept the calling requested by the new era. We will audaciously step forward together with the people to achieve an innovative, inclusive nation; a just Republic of Korea; and a Korean Peninsula of peace and prosperity. Remarks at 14th Cabinet Meeting on April 9, 2019
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A Government Where the People are the Rightful Owners The Greatness of the Ordinary
A President Who Reaches Out to the Public First
In May 2019, a few days ahead of the 2 nd anniversary of his inauguration, President Moon Jae-in contributed an article to Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung under the title “The Greatness of the Ordinary – Reflecting on the new world order.” The article contains President Moon’s governing philosophy: “Sustainable national advancement is possible when ordinary people are happy in their everyday lives.” To him, inclusiveness allows greatness to be found amid the ordinary. It can bring ordinariness together to make change and establish a new environment. Building on this philosophy, the Moon Jaein Administration declared in 2019 its goal of creating an “innovative, inclusive nation.” It is centered on the people because the capabilities of every single ordinary person are the greatest assets of an innovative, inclusive nation. The Moon Jae-in Administration is envisioning an inclusive nation in which people come together to share their strengths and individuals and the entire nation can achieve and enjoy more than before.
“Just as I did from the beginning, I will go forward with the people.” The message to mark his first anniversary in office is still valid. To seek his path amid the people’s will, President Moon Jae-in still dispenses with standard protocol and mingles in crowds to shake hands, take photos and listen closely to their voices. At the ceremony commemorating the May 18 Democratization Movement* in Gwangju, he walked up to a tearful representative for the bereaved families and comforted her with a warm hug after she finished reading a eulogy to her father. In the depth of winter, he visited troops at an army recruit training center on the front lines near the Demilitarized Zone to check on their defense posture and praise them for their hard work. During his stay there, the President even made a video call with one of their family members. During his New Year press conferences, President Moon randomly took and answered questions from the floor to promote the free flow of communication and open dialogue with the media. Moreover, President Moon said he thought communication with the public was crucial and communication with the media was integral to achieving that end. He promised to work hard to have more opportunities to meet with the media.
Please scan the QR code to read President Moon's special contribution to Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung(FAZ), in which he lays out his philosophy and vision regarding how ordinary people can bring about great peace.
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* The May 18 Democratization Movement was a pro-democracy uprising that took place in the city of Gwangju, Jeollanamdo Province, from May 18 to 27, 1980. During the period, protesting citizens called for the abolition of martial law and the release of imprisoned pro-democracy political leaders in defiance of a new military dictatorship.
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A Government Where the People are the Rightful Owners The Greatness of the Ordinary
A President Who Reaches Out to the Public First
In May 2019, a few days ahead of the 2 nd anniversary of his inauguration, President Moon Jae-in contributed an article to Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung under the title “The Greatness of the Ordinary – Reflecting on the new world order.” The article contains President Moon’s governing philosophy: “Sustainable national advancement is possible when ordinary people are happy in their everyday lives.” To him, inclusiveness allows greatness to be found amid the ordinary. It can bring ordinariness together to make change and establish a new environment. Building on this philosophy, the Moon Jaein Administration declared in 2019 its goal of creating an “innovative, inclusive nation.” It is centered on the people because the capabilities of every single ordinary person are the greatest assets of an innovative, inclusive nation. The Moon Jae-in Administration is envisioning an inclusive nation in which people come together to share their strengths and individuals and the entire nation can achieve and enjoy more than before.
“Just as I did from the beginning, I will go forward with the people.” The message to mark his first anniversary in office is still valid. To seek his path amid the people’s will, President Moon Jae-in still dispenses with standard protocol and mingles in crowds to shake hands, take photos and listen closely to their voices. At the ceremony commemorating the May 18 Democratization Movement* in Gwangju, he walked up to a tearful representative for the bereaved families and comforted her with a warm hug after she finished reading a eulogy to her father. In the depth of winter, he visited troops at an army recruit training center on the front lines near the Demilitarized Zone to check on their defense posture and praise them for their hard work. During his stay there, the President even made a video call with one of their family members. During his New Year press conferences, President Moon randomly took and answered questions from the floor to promote the free flow of communication and open dialogue with the media. Moreover, President Moon said he thought communication with the public was crucial and communication with the media was integral to achieving that end. He promised to work hard to have more opportunities to meet with the media.
Please scan the QR code to read President Moon's special contribution to Germany's Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung(FAZ), in which he lays out his philosophy and vision regarding how ordinary people can bring about great peace.
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* The May 18 Democratization Movement was a pro-democracy uprising that took place in the city of Gwangju, Jeollanamdo Province, from May 18 to 27, 1980. During the period, protesting citizens called for the abolition of martial law and the release of imprisoned pro-democracy political leaders in defiance of a new military dictatorship.
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Making the Economy More Vibrant and Society More Embracing
An Innovative, Inclusive Nation Where Everyone Prospers Together
Over the past two years, the Moon Jae-in Administration has shifted the focus of economic policies from the nation and businesses to individual citizens and households. It has also started the engine of a people-centered economy where everyone can prosper together and the fruits of growth can be equitably distributed among the people. With job creation as the top priority of economic and social policies, President Moon Jae-in has made government-wide efforts that include the installation of a jobs council, the increase of public-sector and social-service jobs and the implementation of youth employment policies. In addition, actions have continued to improve contracted temporary workers’ quality of life by transforming their status to permanent employees and providing support to soften the impact of policies that increased the minimum wage and reduced working hours. In 2019, the Moon Jae-in Administration declared its vision for an innovative, inclusive nation. With the arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,
While presenting his inclusive-nation social policies to the public on February 19, 2019, President Moon Jae-in put forth a blueprint for an inclusive nation where every citizen is able to meet basic living requirements throughout the various stages of life. Guided by its policy goal of building a country responsible for people’s lives, his Administration has taken its first step toward an inclusive welfare nation that guarantees all citizens decent lives and harmonious living with others. The goal of the Moon Jae-in Administration's inclusive-nation social policies is to provide support throughout the various stages of life: childrearing, education, career and retirement. Over the past two years, the Administration has strengthened the state's overall responsibilities regarding the people's lives, including health, safety, income, the environment and housing. Beginning in 2018, a monthly child benefit has been provided and the pension for those with disabilities has been increased as part of incomesupport programs to accommodate different stages of life. With Korea now officially having an “aged society,” the Government increased the monthly
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the Administration is now working hard to boost corporate vitality through innovative growth and help increase the creation of private-sector jobs through more vibrant investments. To foster the Korean economy’s new growth engines, active endeavors are also being made for innovative growth, including Korea’s largestever investments in startups, the adoption of a regulatory sandbox system, the world’s first commercialization of 5G network technology and the nurturing of the fintech industry. At the same time, the Government is rectifying unfair trade practices in many business sectors to create a fair economy in which the benefits of economic growth are equally distributed and there is no deceit or abuse of power. Consequently in 2018, the Korean economy reached the US$600 billion mark in exports for the first time ever and, through steady growth, became the seventh country to join the 30-50 club of economic powerhouses with a population of over 50 million and per capita income exceeding US$30,000.
basic pension in 2018 in an effort to bolster guaranteed income for the elderly. The pension amount will gradually rise until 2021 to ensure that seniors can live healthy and decent lives. The public service role of health care has been secured by the expansion of national health insurance coverage, dubbed “Moon Jae-in Care,” and by a new system through which the state takes responsibility for dementia patients. As a consequence, the medical expense burden facing the public has been significantly decreased. Job supports tailored to young people, women and the “new middle aged” have been enhanced, and self-employed business owners have been placed within a separate policy category and are receiving support. Underscoring that sustainable growth is viable when everyone prospers together, the Moon Jae-in Administration, having taken the first step toward an innovative, inclusive nation, is now laying a foundation for the next 100 years that will enable every citizen to enjoy the benefits of growth through inclusive policies and mutual progress from innovation.
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Making the Economy More Vibrant and Society More Embracing
An Innovative, Inclusive Nation Where Everyone Prospers Together
Over the past two years, the Moon Jae-in Administration has shifted the focus of economic policies from the nation and businesses to individual citizens and households. It has also started the engine of a people-centered economy where everyone can prosper together and the fruits of growth can be equitably distributed among the people. With job creation as the top priority of economic and social policies, President Moon Jae-in has made government-wide efforts that include the installation of a jobs council, the increase of public-sector and social-service jobs and the implementation of youth employment policies. In addition, actions have continued to improve contracted temporary workers’ quality of life by transforming their status to permanent employees and providing support to soften the impact of policies that increased the minimum wage and reduced working hours. In 2019, the Moon Jae-in Administration declared its vision for an innovative, inclusive nation. With the arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,
While presenting his inclusive-nation social policies to the public on February 19, 2019, President Moon Jae-in put forth a blueprint for an inclusive nation where every citizen is able to meet basic living requirements throughout the various stages of life. Guided by its policy goal of building a country responsible for people’s lives, his Administration has taken its first step toward an inclusive welfare nation that guarantees all citizens decent lives and harmonious living with others. The goal of the Moon Jae-in Administration's inclusive-nation social policies is to provide support throughout the various stages of life: childrearing, education, career and retirement. Over the past two years, the Administration has strengthened the state's overall responsibilities regarding the people's lives, including health, safety, income, the environment and housing. Beginning in 2018, a monthly child benefit has been provided and the pension for those with disabilities has been increased as part of incomesupport programs to accommodate different stages of life. With Korea now officially having an “aged society,” the Government increased the monthly
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the Administration is now working hard to boost corporate vitality through innovative growth and help increase the creation of private-sector jobs through more vibrant investments. To foster the Korean economy’s new growth engines, active endeavors are also being made for innovative growth, including Korea’s largestever investments in startups, the adoption of a regulatory sandbox system, the world’s first commercialization of 5G network technology and the nurturing of the fintech industry. At the same time, the Government is rectifying unfair trade practices in many business sectors to create a fair economy in which the benefits of economic growth are equally distributed and there is no deceit or abuse of power. Consequently in 2018, the Korean economy reached the US$600 billion mark in exports for the first time ever and, through steady growth, became the seventh country to join the 30-50 club of economic powerhouses with a population of over 50 million and per capita income exceeding US$30,000.
basic pension in 2018 in an effort to bolster guaranteed income for the elderly. The pension amount will gradually rise until 2021 to ensure that seniors can live healthy and decent lives. The public service role of health care has been secured by the expansion of national health insurance coverage, dubbed “Moon Jae-in Care,” and by a new system through which the state takes responsibility for dementia patients. As a consequence, the medical expense burden facing the public has been significantly decreased. Job supports tailored to young people, women and the “new middle aged” have been enhanced, and self-employed business owners have been placed within a separate policy category and are receiving support. Underscoring that sustainable growth is viable when everyone prospers together, the Moon Jae-in Administration, having taken the first step toward an innovative, inclusive nation, is now laying a foundation for the next 100 years that will enable every citizen to enjoy the benefits of growth through inclusive policies and mutual progress from innovation.
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A Peaceful, Prosperous Korean Peninsula “
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We can carve out a future that no one has ever experienced.”
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A Peaceful, Prosperous Korean Peninsula “
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We can carve out a future that no one has ever experienced.”
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Peace, a New Start The Washington Post wrote on February 9, 2018, “With artful simplicity and an earnest message, the Opening Ceremonies delivered on its intent to make peace the star Friday night. It was aspirational, dreamy, idyllic... And then the Korean nations upped the peace ante simply by walking into a stadium together for about four minutes.” Some 50,000 athletes from 92 countries who participated in the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games gave a thumbs up to the excellent facilities, extraordinary operations and extra-attentive services. Importantly, the whole world hailed the formation of a unified inter-Korean team and the message of peace jointly delivered by South and North Korea, which have been confronting each other over the past seven decades. After the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, a South Korean art troupe visited Pyeongyang in April, bringing the two sides one step closer. On April 27, 2018, an inter-Korean summit was held at Panmunjeom’s Peace House on the South’s side of the Demilitarized Zone, and the historic summit signaled to the world a new start for peace on the Korean
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Peace, a New Future Peninsula. The leaders of the two Koreas shook hands across the Military Demarcation Line, and Chairman Kim Jong Un stepped across the MDL to become the first North Korean leader to enter the South’s territory since the division, leaving indelible footprints for peace. After their meeting in the morning, the two leaders walked along a footbridge that had been extended to reach an MDL signpost. As they conversed, the scene was broadcast live throughout the world. After concluding their afternoon talks, the two leaders read the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula, which contained their firm commitment to bring a swift end to the Cold War relic of longstanding division and confrontation, to boldly open up a new era of national reconciliation, peace and prosperity, and to improve and cultivate inter-Korean relations in a more active manner. It was the moment when the two leaders solemnly declared before the 80 million Korean people and the whole world for the first time in history that there would be no more war on the Korean Peninsula and a new era of peace had begun.
The 2018 inter-Korean summit on April 27 was held successfully, and the United States and North Korea were making preparations to hold their first-ever summit in June. Citing the ROK-U.S. joint military exercises, however, the North began to reconsider the meeting, and the United States announced the summit’s cancellation. Under these circumstances, the leaders of South and North Korea sat down together at Tongilgak on the North Korean side of Panmunjeom on May 26, 2018. Through the address given to explain the outcome of the May 26 inter-Korean summit, President Moon noted, “...I attach a great significance to yesterday’s summit, which was held like a routine meeting between friends... I believe it must be the way the South and the North meet.” Along with other foreign media outlets, The Wall Street Journal also spoke highly of President Moon’s efforts as a “peacemaker” on May 22, 2018, and the North Korea-U.S. summit finally took place as planned on
June 12 in Singapore. In September 2018, the leaders of South and North Korea met for the third time and embraced each other like friends. President Moon became the first South Korean president to address 150,000 Pyeongyang citizens in person, declaring that “our people must live together.” This scene served as confirmation that the two leaders’ determination for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula was stronger than ever. “Our people are outstanding. Our people are resilient. Our people love peace. And our people must live together. We had lived together for five thousand years but apart for just 70 years. Here, at this place today, I propose we move forward toward the big picture of peace in which the past 70-year-long hostility can be eradicated and we can become one again.” Address by President Moon Jae-in at the May Day Stadium in Pyeongyang on September 19, 2018
25
Peace, a New Start The Washington Post wrote on February 9, 2018, “With artful simplicity and an earnest message, the Opening Ceremonies delivered on its intent to make peace the star Friday night. It was aspirational, dreamy, idyllic... And then the Korean nations upped the peace ante simply by walking into a stadium together for about four minutes.” Some 50,000 athletes from 92 countries who participated in the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games gave a thumbs up to the excellent facilities, extraordinary operations and extra-attentive services. Importantly, the whole world hailed the formation of a unified inter-Korean team and the message of peace jointly delivered by South and North Korea, which have been confronting each other over the past seven decades. After the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, a South Korean art troupe visited Pyeongyang in April, bringing the two sides one step closer. On April 27, 2018, an inter-Korean summit was held at Panmunjeom’s Peace House on the South’s side of the Demilitarized Zone, and the historic summit signaled to the world a new start for peace on the Korean
24
Peace, a New Future Peninsula. The leaders of the two Koreas shook hands across the Military Demarcation Line, and Chairman Kim Jong Un stepped across the MDL to become the first North Korean leader to enter the South’s territory since the division, leaving indelible footprints for peace. After their meeting in the morning, the two leaders walked along a footbridge that had been extended to reach an MDL signpost. As they conversed, the scene was broadcast live throughout the world. After concluding their afternoon talks, the two leaders read the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula, which contained their firm commitment to bring a swift end to the Cold War relic of longstanding division and confrontation, to boldly open up a new era of national reconciliation, peace and prosperity, and to improve and cultivate inter-Korean relations in a more active manner. It was the moment when the two leaders solemnly declared before the 80 million Korean people and the whole world for the first time in history that there would be no more war on the Korean Peninsula and a new era of peace had begun.
The 2018 inter-Korean summit on April 27 was held successfully, and the United States and North Korea were making preparations to hold their first-ever summit in June. Citing the ROK-U.S. joint military exercises, however, the North began to reconsider the meeting, and the United States announced the summit’s cancellation. Under these circumstances, the leaders of South and North Korea sat down together at Tongilgak on the North Korean side of Panmunjeom on May 26, 2018. Through the address given to explain the outcome of the May 26 inter-Korean summit, President Moon noted, “...I attach a great significance to yesterday’s summit, which was held like a routine meeting between friends... I believe it must be the way the South and the North meet.” Along with other foreign media outlets, The Wall Street Journal also spoke highly of President Moon’s efforts as a “peacemaker” on May 22, 2018, and the North Korea-U.S. summit finally took place as planned on
June 12 in Singapore. In September 2018, the leaders of South and North Korea met for the third time and embraced each other like friends. President Moon became the first South Korean president to address 150,000 Pyeongyang citizens in person, declaring that “our people must live together.” This scene served as confirmation that the two leaders’ determination for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula was stronger than ever. “Our people are outstanding. Our people are resilient. Our people love peace. And our people must live together. We had lived together for five thousand years but apart for just 70 years. Here, at this place today, I propose we move forward toward the big picture of peace in which the past 70-year-long hostility can be eradicated and we can become one again.” Address by President Moon Jae-in at the May Day Stadium in Pyeongyang on September 19, 2018
25
President Moon's North Korea Policy Reconnecting Divided Peninsula
New Korean Peninsula Regime An Initiative for Next 100 Years
At the third inter-Korean summit, the two leaders agreed in the Pyeongyang Joint Declaration of September 2018 to continue to advance bilateral relations. In particular, the two sides adopted the Agreement on the Implementation of the Historic Panmunjom Declaration in the Military Domain as an extended annex to the Joint Declaration. Through the Agreement, they laid the foundation for a Korean Peninsula free of war by concurring on action plans to prevent any accidental clash and build military trust between the two Koreas. Three rounds of inter-Korean summits have produced immediate and tangible results. As a humanitarian measure, before taking further political and military follow-up measures, both Koreas arranged two rounds of reunions for separated families. The two Koreas removed some of the guard posts within the DMZ and carried out a project to eliminate landmines in the surrounding areas. Roads were built within the DMZ, and the remains of 13 soldiers were excavated and returned home. In November 2018, soldiers from the South and North accidentally
On February 25, 2019, President Moon proclaimed a new Korean Peninsula regime ahead of the centennial of the March First Independence Movement and the establishment of the Provisional Republic of Korea Government. In the speech, President Moon said, “We will take the lead in preparing for a new Korean Peninsula regime – one that is moving from war and confrontation toward peace and harmony and from factionalism and ideology toward economic prosperity.” Through the Panmunjom Declaration and the Pyeongyang Joint Declaration of September 2018, South and North Korea took the first step toward establishing permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula by proclaiming an end to hostile actions toward each other. President Moon’s new Korean Peninsula regime, which arose from these circumstances, represents a peace-driven economy. It is a virtuous cycle in which peace leads to economic development and economic progress solidifies peace. Moreover, President Moon believes that peace on the Korean Peninsula will be a new growth engine not only for South and North Korea but also for
26
ran into each other at Arrowhead Ridge, site of the last ferocious battle of the Korean War. They lowered their guns and shook hands with each other, enjoying an unexpected encounter. Spring has come to the DMZ for the first time in 65 years since the Armistice Agreement was signed. On a visit to Europe in October 2018, President Moon called for the international community’s understanding and support to help achieve denuclearization and a peace settlement on the Korean Peninsula. In his remarks during a Special Mass for Peace on the Korean Peninsula held at the Vatican, President Moon proclaimed to the world, “The declaration to end the war on the Korean Peninsula and the signing of a peace treaty will be akin to dissolving the last remaining Cold War regime on the earth.” Two years since his inauguration, President Moon is pushing for a “new Korean Peninsula regime” – one which would dissolve the long-entrenched regime of Cold War conflict, division and dispute and replace it with a new order of peaceful coexistence, cooperation and prosperity.
Northeast Asia, ASEAN and Eurasia. President Moon’s new Korean Peninsula regime is not limited to the Peninsula. The initiative is based on a belief that peace on the Korean Peninsula will be able to contribute to building an order of world peace and prosperity. The existing order on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia is closely related to the Cold War structure that was planted in the region at the end of the Second World War. Thus, if the Korean War Armistice Agreement is completely replaced with a peace accord, the last remaining Cold War rivalry in the world will finally collapse and a new peace regime will take root on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. In this context, President Moon’s new Korean Peninsula regime is also linked to a new peace and security order in Northeast Asia. Building upon its achievements and experiences over the past two years, the Moon Jae-in Administration will do everything it can to continue to write a new chapter in the history of peace and cooperation, and coexistence and prosperity.
27
President Moon's North Korea Policy Reconnecting Divided Peninsula
New Korean Peninsula Regime An Initiative for Next 100 Years
At the third inter-Korean summit, the two leaders agreed in the Pyeongyang Joint Declaration of September 2018 to continue to advance bilateral relations. In particular, the two sides adopted the Agreement on the Implementation of the Historic Panmunjom Declaration in the Military Domain as an extended annex to the Joint Declaration. Through the Agreement, they laid the foundation for a Korean Peninsula free of war by concurring on action plans to prevent any accidental clash and build military trust between the two Koreas. Three rounds of inter-Korean summits have produced immediate and tangible results. As a humanitarian measure, before taking further political and military follow-up measures, both Koreas arranged two rounds of reunions for separated families. The two Koreas removed some of the guard posts within the DMZ and carried out a project to eliminate landmines in the surrounding areas. Roads were built within the DMZ, and the remains of 13 soldiers were excavated and returned home. In November 2018, soldiers from the South and North accidentally
On February 25, 2019, President Moon proclaimed a new Korean Peninsula regime ahead of the centennial of the March First Independence Movement and the establishment of the Provisional Republic of Korea Government. In the speech, President Moon said, “We will take the lead in preparing for a new Korean Peninsula regime – one that is moving from war and confrontation toward peace and harmony and from factionalism and ideology toward economic prosperity.” Through the Panmunjom Declaration and the Pyeongyang Joint Declaration of September 2018, South and North Korea took the first step toward establishing permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula by proclaiming an end to hostile actions toward each other. President Moon’s new Korean Peninsula regime, which arose from these circumstances, represents a peace-driven economy. It is a virtuous cycle in which peace leads to economic development and economic progress solidifies peace. Moreover, President Moon believes that peace on the Korean Peninsula will be a new growth engine not only for South and North Korea but also for
26
ran into each other at Arrowhead Ridge, site of the last ferocious battle of the Korean War. They lowered their guns and shook hands with each other, enjoying an unexpected encounter. Spring has come to the DMZ for the first time in 65 years since the Armistice Agreement was signed. On a visit to Europe in October 2018, President Moon called for the international community’s understanding and support to help achieve denuclearization and a peace settlement on the Korean Peninsula. In his remarks during a Special Mass for Peace on the Korean Peninsula held at the Vatican, President Moon proclaimed to the world, “The declaration to end the war on the Korean Peninsula and the signing of a peace treaty will be akin to dissolving the last remaining Cold War regime on the earth.” Two years since his inauguration, President Moon is pushing for a “new Korean Peninsula regime” – one which would dissolve the long-entrenched regime of Cold War conflict, division and dispute and replace it with a new order of peaceful coexistence, cooperation and prosperity.
Northeast Asia, ASEAN and Eurasia. President Moon’s new Korean Peninsula regime is not limited to the Peninsula. The initiative is based on a belief that peace on the Korean Peninsula will be able to contribute to building an order of world peace and prosperity. The existing order on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia is closely related to the Cold War structure that was planted in the region at the end of the Second World War. Thus, if the Korean War Armistice Agreement is completely replaced with a peace accord, the last remaining Cold War rivalry in the world will finally collapse and a new peace regime will take root on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. In this context, President Moon’s new Korean Peninsula regime is also linked to a new peace and security order in Northeast Asia. Building upon its achievements and experiences over the past two years, the Moon Jae-in Administration will do everything it can to continue to write a new chapter in the history of peace and cooperation, and coexistence and prosperity.
27
A President Who Keeps His Promise to the People
From a fair society, an economy where everyone prospers together, an era of peace to an era of cooperation, I don’t believe that the current Government will be able to achieve all of these. However, I’ll do all that I can to see to it that the people can sense that such an era has already arrived here for us by the time I finish my term.
An excerpt from the “Special Talk with President Moon Jae-in Marking Two
President Moon selected and announced the 100 policy tasks right after his inauguration. It was his promise to the people to implement 100 innovations for the development of the country. The most notable achievements were the interKorean summit and the Panmunjeom for peace on the Korean Peninsula. It was because the most significant promise with the people was “peace.” In addition, the promises in various areas related to popular sovereignty, the economy, security and welfare are being realized. With the economy, the Moon Jae-in Administration is aiming at achieving people-centered growth. The maximum number of weekly working hours was reduced from 68 to 52, and policies to create jobs are being executed. With the Five-Year Roadmap on Job Creation announced in October 2017, a total of 810,000 public sector jobs have been created or upgraded. The minimum wage was increased 16.4 percent through an agreement among labor, management and the Government, which is expected to improve the quality of life. As part of its welfare policy, the Moon Jae-in Administration started carrying out policies in 2018 to overcome Korea’s low birth rate by investing in future generations, including offering child benefits and setting aside 30 percent of public housing rental units for newlyweds. It is also pushing ahead with measures to strengthen its guarantee of sufficient incomes for the elderly by increasing the basic pension payout in September and expanding other financial assistance. Through “Moon Jae-in Care,” the Administration is endeavoring to
expand medical insurance coverage and reduce the public’s actual medical cost burdens by expanding the list of items covered by the national health insurance and moving toward the goal of covering 70 percent of ailments by 2022. In addition, the Administration is pressing ahead with policies to take responsibility for people suffering from dementia by helping 720,000 patients and their relatives. It will also increase support for housing by supplying an annual average of 130,000 lease-only public residential units for low-income households and society’s most vulnerable. Creating fair relations between large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises, bold regulatory innovation, strong autonomy and decentralization for local governments, boosting the economy in local areas, and carrying out urban renewal projects are the areas that the Moon Jae-in Administration has closely scrutinized over the past one year. In 2018, representatives from labor, management and the Government agreed to basic steps to create a fair society where labor is respected and no one suffers discrimination. They also came up with a roadmap to reduce the number of non-regular workers as a way to further reduce workplace discrimination. Keeping promises to the people is not an option but a duty. As the Administration is fulfilling its duty entrusted to it by the people, it intends to strive to live up to its motto step by step “opportunities will be equitable, the process will be fair and the result will be just.”
Years in Office”
The Past Two Years of the Moon Jae-in Administration Standing with the People 28
29
A President Who Keeps His Promise to the People
From a fair society, an economy where everyone prospers together, an era of peace to an era of cooperation, I don’t believe that the current Government will be able to achieve all of these. However, I’ll do all that I can to see to it that the people can sense that such an era has already arrived here for us by the time I finish my term.
An excerpt from the “Special Talk with President Moon Jae-in Marking Two
President Moon selected and announced the 100 policy tasks right after his inauguration. It was his promise to the people to implement 100 innovations for the development of the country. The most notable achievements were the interKorean summit and the Panmunjeom for peace on the Korean Peninsula. It was because the most significant promise with the people was “peace.” In addition, the promises in various areas related to popular sovereignty, the economy, security and welfare are being realized. With the economy, the Moon Jae-in Administration is aiming at achieving people-centered growth. The maximum number of weekly working hours was reduced from 68 to 52, and policies to create jobs are being executed. With the Five-Year Roadmap on Job Creation announced in October 2017, a total of 810,000 public sector jobs have been created or upgraded. The minimum wage was increased 16.4 percent through an agreement among labor, management and the Government, which is expected to improve the quality of life. As part of its welfare policy, the Moon Jae-in Administration started carrying out policies in 2018 to overcome Korea’s low birth rate by investing in future generations, including offering child benefits and setting aside 30 percent of public housing rental units for newlyweds. It is also pushing ahead with measures to strengthen its guarantee of sufficient incomes for the elderly by increasing the basic pension payout in September and expanding other financial assistance. Through “Moon Jae-in Care,” the Administration is endeavoring to
expand medical insurance coverage and reduce the public’s actual medical cost burdens by expanding the list of items covered by the national health insurance and moving toward the goal of covering 70 percent of ailments by 2022. In addition, the Administration is pressing ahead with policies to take responsibility for people suffering from dementia by helping 720,000 patients and their relatives. It will also increase support for housing by supplying an annual average of 130,000 lease-only public residential units for low-income households and society’s most vulnerable. Creating fair relations between large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises, bold regulatory innovation, strong autonomy and decentralization for local governments, boosting the economy in local areas, and carrying out urban renewal projects are the areas that the Moon Jae-in Administration has closely scrutinized over the past one year. In 2018, representatives from labor, management and the Government agreed to basic steps to create a fair society where labor is respected and no one suffers discrimination. They also came up with a roadmap to reduce the number of non-regular workers as a way to further reduce workplace discrimination. Keeping promises to the people is not an option but a duty. As the Administration is fulfilling its duty entrusted to it by the people, it intends to strive to live up to its motto step by step “opportunities will be equitable, the process will be fair and the result will be just.”
Years in Office”
The Past Two Years of the Moon Jae-in Administration Standing with the People 28
29
Major Achievements Following Inauguration
Participated in the 3rd Eastern Economic Forum and announced the New Northern Policy at the Far Eastern Federal University in Russia
September 18 - 22
July 5 - 8 Paid a state visit to Germany (New Berlin Declaration announced) and participated in the G20 Summit
July 19
Unveiled the Five-year Plan for the Administration of State Affairs and 100 Policy Tasks
May 10 Inaugurated as President of the Republic of Korea
September 7
Participated in the 72 nd Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York as part of “peace diplomacy”
September 18
May 5 December 7 The Presidential Committee on Northern Economic Cooperation inaugurated
February 9 - 25 The PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
December 13 - 16
Visited China and held a summit with the Chinese President
Announced a new system through which the state takes responsibility for dementia patients as part of the so-called Moon Jae-in Care
JUN
DEC
Announced the plan for a paradigm shift to a people-centered economy
JUL
AUG
August 2
Announced a supplementary budget for job creation and the conversion of non-regular workers to regular workers
June 28 - July 1
Visited the United States and held a summit with the U.S. President
30
JAN
FEB
APR
July 25
SEP
OCT
NOV
November 7 - 8 October 18 Announced the five-year roadmap for job creation
June 12
MAY
2018
2017 MAY
North Korea’s time zone synchronized with the South’s
Announced a real estate policy focused on laying the foundation for stable housing prices for low-income families
August 9
Announced policies related to health insurance
August 16
Unveiled plans for the provision of allowances for children and basic pensions for the elderly
Held a summit with U.S. President Trump on the occasion of his state visit to Korea
November 8 - 15 Attended the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and visited several Southeast Asian countries, declaring the New Southern Policy at the Indonesia-Korea Business Forum
January 1
April 27
Minimum wage increase came into effect and employment stabilization funds disbursed
Peace, A New Start: the 2018 Inter-Korean Summit (held at Peace House on the South Korean side of Panmunjeom)
January 9 Inter-Korean high-level talks held
January 10
Held a New Year’s press conference
November 29
Announced the housing stabilization roadmap
31
Major Achievements Following Inauguration
Participated in the 3rd Eastern Economic Forum and announced the New Northern Policy at the Far Eastern Federal University in Russia
September 18 - 22
July 5 - 8 Paid a state visit to Germany (New Berlin Declaration announced) and participated in the G20 Summit
July 19
Unveiled the Five-year Plan for the Administration of State Affairs and 100 Policy Tasks
May 10 Inaugurated as President of the Republic of Korea
September 7
Participated in the 72 nd Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York as part of “peace diplomacy”
September 18
May 5 December 7 The Presidential Committee on Northern Economic Cooperation inaugurated
February 9 - 25 The PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
December 13 - 16
Visited China and held a summit with the Chinese President
Announced a new system through which the state takes responsibility for dementia patients as part of the so-called Moon Jae-in Care
JUN
DEC
Announced the plan for a paradigm shift to a people-centered economy
JUL
AUG
August 2
Announced a supplementary budget for job creation and the conversion of non-regular workers to regular workers
June 28 - July 1
Visited the United States and held a summit with the U.S. President
30
JAN
FEB
APR
July 25
SEP
OCT
NOV
November 7 - 8 October 18 Announced the five-year roadmap for job creation
June 12
MAY
2018
2017 MAY
North Korea’s time zone synchronized with the South’s
Announced a real estate policy focused on laying the foundation for stable housing prices for low-income families
August 9
Announced policies related to health insurance
August 16
Unveiled plans for the provision of allowances for children and basic pensions for the elderly
Held a summit with U.S. President Trump on the occasion of his state visit to Korea
November 8 - 15 Attended the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and visited several Southeast Asian countries, declaring the New Southern Policy at the Indonesia-Korea Business Forum
January 1
April 27
Minimum wage increase came into effect and employment stabilization funds disbursed
Peace, A New Start: the 2018 Inter-Korean Summit (held at Peace House on the South Korean side of Panmunjeom)
January 9 Inter-Korean high-level talks held
January 10
Held a New Year’s press conference
November 29
Announced the housing stabilization roadmap
31
March 1
October 5 Remarks on The 12th World Korean Day
Attended the 100th March First Independence Movement Day ceremony and declared a new Korean Peninsula regime
Jaunry 10 Held a New Year’s press conference
June 12 The North Korea-United States Summit in Singapore
June 21 – 23
Made a state visit to Russia
Made state visits to Brunei, Malaysia and Cambodia
JAN
The Presidential Committee on New Southern Policy inaugurated
NOV
MAR
Visited the United States and held a summit with the U.S. President
February 19
JUL
Announced inclusive-nation social policies
SEP
AUG
Attended ASEAN-related summits in Singapore
September 23 - 26 Attended the 73 United Nations General Assembly in New York rd
July 8 - 13 Made state visits to India and Singapore
November 16 - 18 Attended the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Papua New Guinea
November 30 - December 1 Attended the G20 Summit in Argentina
APR
April 10 – 12
November 13 - 15
32
FEB
DEC
2018 JUN
MAY
2019
August 28
OCT
Special Talk in Marking Two Years in Office
March 10 – 16
October 13 – 20 Made visits to France, Italy, Belgium and Denmark
May 9
April 11 The 100 th anniversary of the founding of the Provisional Republic of Korea Government
March 21
December 10 Congratulatory Remarks on 2018 Human Rights Day
Announced an innovative finance vision for more opportunities and shared growth
April 16 – 23 Made state visits to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
December 26
Ground broken for reconnection of roads and railroads between South and North Korea
33
March 1
October 5 Remarks on The 12th World Korean Day
Attended the 100th March First Independence Movement Day ceremony and declared a new Korean Peninsula regime
Jaunry 10 Held a New Year’s press conference
June 12 The North Korea-United States Summit in Singapore
June 21 – 23
Made a state visit to Russia
Made state visits to Brunei, Malaysia and Cambodia
JAN
The Presidential Committee on New Southern Policy inaugurated
NOV
MAR
Visited the United States and held a summit with the U.S. President
February 19
JUL
Announced inclusive-nation social policies
SEP
AUG
Attended ASEAN-related summits in Singapore
September 23 - 26 Attended the 73 United Nations General Assembly in New York rd
July 8 - 13 Made state visits to India and Singapore
November 16 - 18 Attended the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Papua New Guinea
November 30 - December 1 Attended the G20 Summit in Argentina
APR
April 10 – 12
November 13 - 15
32
FEB
DEC
2018 JUN
MAY
2019
August 28
OCT
Special Talk in Marking Two Years in Office
March 10 – 16
October 13 – 20 Made visits to France, Italy, Belgium and Denmark
May 9
April 11 The 100 th anniversary of the founding of the Provisional Republic of Korea Government
March 21
December 10 Congratulatory Remarks on 2018 Human Rights Day
Announced an innovative finance vision for more opportunities and shared growth
April 16 – 23 Made state visits to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
December 26
Ground broken for reconnection of roads and railroads between South and North Korea
33
President Moon Jae-in in the Eyes of the International Media 34
35
President Moon Jae-in in the Eyes of the International Media 34
35
Moon Jae-in President of the Republic of Korea
Date of Birth January 24, 1953 Place of Birth Geojedo Island Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Korea Marital Status Married to Kim Jung�sook with a son, a daughter and two grandsons
Education 1980
LL.B., Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
1971
Graduated from Kyungnam High School, Busan, Korea
Professional Career 2017
President of the Republic of Korea
2017
Presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea for the 19th presidential election
2015
Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea
2014
Member of Interim Committee of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy Chairperson of the Nuclear Plant Special Countermeasure Committee
2013
Standing Advisor of the Democratic United Party
2012
Candidate of the Democratic United Party for the 18th presidential election Member of the 19th National Assembly from Sasang-gu, Busan
2011
Standing Co-representative for Innovation and Integration
2010
Chairperson of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation
2007
Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Korea Chairperson of the Promotion Committee for the 2nd South-North Summit
2005
Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs
2004
Senior Secretary to the President for the Civic and Social Agenda
2003
Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs
1982
Opened a law office specializing in human rights and civil society with Roh Moo-hyun, who became the President of Korea for the 16th term
Together with children of firemen and police officers who fought the wildfire in Gangwon Province and descendants of accredited independence activists on Children's Day (May 5, 2019)
Publications 2011
Mun Jae-inui Unmyeong (Moon Jae-in’s Destiny)
2012
Sarami Meonjeoda (People Come First)
http://www.president.go.kr, http://english.president.go.kr
2012
Moon Jae-ini Deurimnida (Presented to You by Moon Jae-in)
http://twitter.com/TheBlueHouseKR, http://twitter.com/TheBlueHousENG
2013
Ggeuchi Sijagida (The End is the Beginning)
http://facebook.com/TheBlueHouseKR
2017
Daehanmingugi Munneunda (Questions from the Republic of Korea)
http://youtube.com/TheBlueHouseKR
2017
Unmeyong-eseo Huimang-euro (From Destiny to Hope)
Publisher: Cheong Wa Dae, The Presidential Office Production: Korean Culture and Information Service Publication Date: June 2019
Moon Jae-in President of the Republic of Korea
Date of Birth January 24, 1953 Place of Birth Geojedo Island Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Korea Marital Status Married to Kim Jung�sook with a son, a daughter and two grandsons
Education 1980
LL.B., Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
1971
Graduated from Kyungnam High School, Busan, Korea
Professional Career 2017
President of the Republic of Korea
2017
Presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea for the 19th presidential election
2015
Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea
2014
Member of Interim Committee of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy Chairperson of the Nuclear Plant Special Countermeasure Committee
2013
Standing Advisor of the Democratic United Party
2012
Candidate of the Democratic United Party for the 18th presidential election Member of the 19th National Assembly from Sasang-gu, Busan
2011
Standing Co-representative for Innovation and Integration
2010
Chairperson of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation
2007
Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Korea Chairperson of the Promotion Committee for the 2nd South-North Summit
2005
Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs
2004
Senior Secretary to the President for the Civic and Social Agenda
2003
Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs
1982
Opened a law office specializing in human rights and civil society with Roh Moo-hyun, who became the President of Korea for the 16th term
Together with children of firemen and police officers who fought the wildfire in Gangwon Province and descendants of accredited independence activists on Children's Day (May 5, 2019)
Publications 2011
Mun Jae-inui Unmyeong (Moon Jae-in’s Destiny)
2012
Sarami Meonjeoda (People Come First)
http://www.president.go.kr, http://english.president.go.kr
2012
Moon Jae-ini Deurimnida (Presented to You by Moon Jae-in)
http://twitter.com/TheBlueHouseKR, http://twitter.com/TheBlueHousENG
2013
Ggeuchi Sijagida (The End is the Beginning)
http://facebook.com/TheBlueHouseKR
2017
Daehanmingugi Munneunda (Questions from the Republic of Korea)
http://youtube.com/TheBlueHouseKR
2017
Unmeyong-eseo Huimang-euro (From Destiny to Hope)
Publisher: Cheong Wa Dae, The Presidential Office Production: Korean Culture and Information Service Publication Date: June 2019
Moon Jae-in PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
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