(Unofficial Translation) Hello. As everybody knows, exports and domestic demand are the two pillars that shore up our economy. In fact, however, neither is in a good situation. Exports have fallen sharply in April, May and June compared to the same months last year. One silver lining is that the decreases are becomi...

Jul 02, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Your Excellencies President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, I was disappointed to learn that the COVID-19 situation prevented the two of you from making your scheduled visits to Korea last month, but I am nevertheless p...

Jun 30, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases around the world has surpassed 10 million, with the death toll now exceeding 500,000. Even more concerning, the upward trend of new infections worldwide has not abated but is actually increasing. This is not a situation for complacency because infection...

Jun 29, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Fellow Koreans, decorated Korean War veterans and bereaved families, Marking the 70th anniversary of the Korean War today, we’ve pulled close the remains of 147 of our soldiers. Seoul Air Base has become a most solemn venue to welcome the return of our fallen heroes. These vali...

Jun 25, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Let me begin the 32nd Cabinet Meeting and meeting for epidemic prevention and control measures in the Seoul metropolitan area. Of note at today’s Cabinet Meeting, we are joined by the heads of three local governments – the mayors of Seoul and Incheon as well as the governor of Gyeonggi-do...

Jun 23, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) We have convened for this year’s first Anti-Corruption Policy Consultative Council meeting. In the course of overcoming the COVID-19 outbreak, the people have respected and cared for one another in the belief that neighbors and the Government will be transparent and fair. Rather th...

Jun 22, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Good morning, I am glad to meet you all. Thank you for your great presentation. Douzone Bizon may not be a conglomerate yet it is a mid-market company. I was told it’s the Republic Korea’s foremost business specializing in data and artificial intelligence. I am very proud of you....

Jun 18, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Fellow Koreans, distinguished guests from home and abroad, As we mark the 20th anniversary of the June 15 South-North Joint Declaration, I am grateful to everyone joining this meaningful event. At today’s joyful celebration of this historic declaration, I should be revisiting the...

Jun 15, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) It is regrettable and worrisome that sporadic infection clusters are occurring one after another primarily in the Seoul metropolitan area. Under these circumstances, however, I find it fortunate that no infections have occurred at schools and in-person classes are proceeding uninterrupted. A...

Jun 15, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Fellow Koreans, The day of the June 10 Democratic Protest, we created a democracy together. Students took the lead, office workers waved their handkerchiefs and taxi drivers blasted their car horns. Mothers put flowers on the chests of riot police. On the public square, all Koreans joined...

Jun 10, 2020