President Yoon Suk Yeol celebrated his second year in office on May 10. Reflecting on the preceding two years and outlining his vision for the following three, he pledged to listen more attentively to the voices of the populace, take even more meticulous care of their livelihoods and work even harder―demonstrating his resolute commitment to shaping a new trajectory forward.

Furthermore, he unveiled the policy agenda he intends to pursue moving forward―declaring his resolve to boost economic dynamism and address polarization to prevent falling into the quagmire of low growth. He affirmed his dedication to ushering in an era centered on the working and middle classes, aspiring to elevate the former to the latter and ensure a more affluent life for the middle class through employment and welfare measures. Policies pertaining to industry and markets will be tailored to buttress the middle class.

Additionally, he underscored the imperative of aiding those facing hardships to perpetuate the virtuous cycle of growth and welfare―affirming the government¡¯s commitment to broadening the spectrum of livelihood support and enhancing support levels―enabling individuals who have faced setbacks to reintegrate into economic activities.

President Yoon also expressed his determination to actively support small business owners and self-employed individuals. While the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have faded, many are still struggling with sluggish sales or financial burdens due to high interest rates. The Yoon administration vowed to expand policy funds and alleviate interest rate burdens for these groups―recognizing and actively addressing this social issue.

Furthermore, Korea presently grapples with an aging populace, with individuals aged 65 and above constituting over 18% of the total population. By 2025, this proportion is projected to surpass 20%―marking the entry into a superaged society. President Yoon, in anticipation of this demographic shift, pledged to exercise even greater care in tending to the elderly―committing to augmenting basic pensions to KRW 400,000, bolstering elderly employment and fortifying nursing and care systems to help the elderly live more vibrant and comfortable lives.

In tandem with the issue of the elderly, Korea is also facing a low birth rate quandary. President Yoon evinced his determination to address this challenge through policy interventions. He stated, ¡°To overcome the low birth rate crisis, which can be considered a national emergency, I will mobilize all resources. I will establish planning departments to prepare for low birth rates and aging, and ensure that low birth rate response policies become a national agenda.¡± He outlined plans to render childbirth leave and parental leave more flexible and ample, and assist companies in adopting childcare-friendly measures―such as staggered commuting and flexible working hours.

Visit the official website of the presidential office at https://www.president. go.kr/president_anniversary2 for an overview of President Yoon¡¯s accomplishments during the previous two years. Visitors can find various content to explore―including graphical representations of notable feats along with public deliberations on livelihood issues.