Lee: Reform and innovation must succeed; remaining term is crucial

President Lee Jae-myung stressed the dual importance of "reform and innovation" as his administration enters its second year. Speaking at a joint work report session with several ministries, including finance and budget, Lee expressed confidence in the current direction but highlighted the critical nature of the remaining term.

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Reform and innovation, both must go well.

"The period ahead, approximately three years and 11 months, is even more important," Lee stated, urging officials to prepare policy execution aligned with national goals and to rectify existing problems. He acknowledged the significant achievements of various ministries over the past year, setting a tone of continued effort and focus.

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The period ahead, approximately three years and 11 months, is even more important.

Lee also used the platform to address workplace conduct, particularly concerning interactions between younger male and female employees. He cautioned against inappropriate behavior, referencing a recent case where a female firefighter in Gwangju allegedly died by suicide after being coerced into drinking alcohol. "Is a young female employee not a person?" Lee questioned, calling such treatment "enraging" and a form of "personal insult." He emphasized the severity of such issues, even if they seem minor to the perpetrator, stating, "The problem is extremely serious, to the point of being cruel."

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Is a young female employee not a person? Such treatment is enraging. That attitude itself is personal insult.

The president is scheduled to receive work reports from additional ministries, including science and technology, transportation, agriculture, and health, over the coming days. These sessions are part of a broader effort to review progress and set future directions for the administration.

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The problem is extremely serious, to the point of being cruel.