President Lee: Mega projects are Korea's path to becoming a 'Korea-style Silicon Valley'

President Lee Jae-myung has declared the government's '3 Mega Projects' as essential for South Korea's future, framing them not as regional benefits but as a strategic imperative to secure leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Speaking at a senior staff meeting, Lee asserted that these projects are the sole path for the nation to emerge victorious in the global technological race and represent a historic decision for future generations.

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It is not simply a handout to the provinces, but the only way for Korea to become the ultimate winner of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and a historic decision for future generations.

Lee explained that the initiative aims to shift the center of economic growth beyond the saturated Seoul metropolitan area, fostering a polycentric national development model. The ultimate goal is to transform the entire country into a 'Korea-style Silicon Valley,' creating a powerful engine for nationwide progress. He drew parallels to past government initiatives, citing Park Chung-hee's focus on heavy industry in the 1970s and Kim Dae-jung's push for IT advancement in the 2000s, positioning the current mega projects as the third foundational step towards establishing South Korea as a globally dominant industrial power with unparalleled technological advantages.

The President stressed the need for rapid execution, urging the presidential office and government ministries to prioritize policy and legal reforms, as well as budget allocation, to accelerate the projects. He also called for meticulous planning and implementation of subsequent investment plans. Lee appealed for national unity, asking citizens, businesses, the government, and political circles to combine their efforts to realize this vision, which he believes will secure South Korea's future for the next 30 years and create greater opportunities for young people nationwide.

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It will be the driving force to diversify the axis of growth beyond the saturated metropolitan area and transform the entire country into a Korea-style Silicon Valley.

Addressing the critical issue of societal polarization, Lee emphasized that mitigating inequality is as vital as fostering new growth engines. He warned that unchecked 'K-shaped' polarization could undermine productivity, damage growth potential, and threaten national unity and social stability. Lee called for a comprehensive policy response, stating that the success of his administration hinges on effectively tackling this challenge. This includes strengthening the social safety net, fostering a fair labor market, revitalizing local economies, and creating pathways for asset accumulation for all, especially the youth.

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The three mega projects of the people's sovereign government will be the third stepping stone for Korea to stand tall as a super-gap industrial powerhouse.

Furthermore, President Lee requested the efficient utilization of anticipated additional tax revenues to establish stable investment funds for future generations. He also instructed officials to perfectly manage this process.

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The Blue House and the government must prioritize the revision of related policies and laws and the allocation of budgets as the top national priority and accelerate the project's progress.