President Lee launches 'youth budget' ahead of official announcement

President Lee Jae-myung is making a concerted effort to connect with young voters by holding an "unboxing" event for the 2027 youth budget, a move unprecedented in its timing and focus. The event, held at the Blue House, aimed to present the government's key youth-related initiatives and budget allocations before the official announcement of the 2027 national budget on September 1st.

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The government and ministries must create world-class policies that young people need the most.

During the event, President Lee urged government ministries to develop "world-class policies" that are truly responsive to the needs of young people. He emphasized a shift towards a "demand-driven" approach, encouraging officials to consider whether policies were designed based on genuine youth needs or on bureaucratic convenience. "When creating even one policy, we must think as if it concerns my own son or daughter, and deliberate hundreds of times," Lee stated, underscoring the personal commitment required.

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We must all look back and boldly correct things, whether government policies have truly started from the needs of young people, or whether policies have been designed for the convenience of the suppliers, the government, rather than the needs of our users.

The president acknowledged the significant challenges facing young Koreans, including difficulties in finding employment, purchasing homes, and planning for the future. "Our youth today find it difficult even to dream of a better tomorrow," he remarked, expressing a sense of responsibility from the older generation. "Before telling young people to try harder, it is the nation's responsibility to create a society where they can gain opportunities commensurate with their efforts."

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Even when creating one policy, we must think as if it is about my son or daughter, and consider it hundreds of times.

This proactive engagement with youth concerns comes at a critical time, as recent polls indicate a lower approval rating for President Lee among younger demographics compared to older age groups. The "Youth Budget Unboxing 2027" event, where frontline workers rather than ministers presented policy details, was designed to narrow the perceived distance between the administration and the younger generation. The government hopes this transparent approach will resonate with young citizens and address growing public criticism.

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Our youth today find it difficult even to dream of a better tomorrow. In such a reality, as the older generation, I feel a greater responsibility. Before telling young people to try harder, it is the nation's responsibility to create a society where they can gain opportunities commensurate with their efforts.