Lee Jae-myung Vows to Complete Roh Moo-hyun's Reforms, Pursue Balanced Development

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung attended the 17th anniversary memorial for the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, declaring his commitment to advancing the reforms Roh initiated but could not finish. Speaking at Bongha Village in Gimhae, Lee vowed to pursue reforms aimed at dismantling unfair practices and privileges, stating he would not be deterred by opposition from vested interests.

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I will resolutely push for reforms that remove unfairness and privilege, without fearing the backlash from vested interests.

"I will resolutely push for reforms that remove unfairness and privilege, without fearing the backlash from vested interests," Lee declared. He emphasized that the "people's sovereign government" would fulfill Roh's unfinished dreams. Lee expressed his personal connection to Roh's legacy, stating, "Countless 'Roh Moo-hyuns' have been reborn in this land since you left. I am one of them."

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Countless 'Roh Moo-hyuns' have been reborn in this land since you left. I am one of them.

Lee pledged to carry forward Roh's statecraft philosophy, particularly focusing on balanced development and improving inter-Korean relations. "I will create a nation where the capital region and other areas grow and develop together, a balanced development South Korea where every corner of the country's citizens live equally well," he stated. He also reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing peace on the Korean Peninsula, referencing the 2007 inter-Korean declaration.

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I will create a nation where the capital region and other areas grow and develop together, a balanced development South Korea where every corner of the country's citizens live equally well.

Reflecting on Roh's presidency, Lee asserted that the true measure of a successful leader is the improvement in people's lives. "We are living in a 'Roh Moo-hyun era' that is without you, yet filled with you," he said. "Keeping in mind that the only measure of a successful president is whether the people's lives improve, I will pour all my capabilities into this task." Lee concluded by stating his intention to prioritize what is right over political advantage, and conscience over compromise.

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Keeping in mind that the only measure of a successful president is whether the people's lives improve, I will pour all my capabilities into this task.