State Affairs Planning Committee launches on Monday to chart policy direction for new administration

A presidential advisory body has been set up to set out the groundwork for the new administration's broad agenda over its five-year term.

Our political correspondent Moon Hye-ryeon has the details.

A new presidential committee has been launched to chart the policy direction and initiatives of the Lee Jae-myung administration over its five-year term.

Dubbed the "State Affairs Planning Committee", the 55-member body held its first session on Monday where its chairperson, Lee Han-joo, spoke of the committee's goals.

"We will need to recalculate the financial plans for our pledges, determine their priorities, organize the necessary legislative measures, and draft a five-year roadmap for their implementation."

Aside from setting policy priorities, a key mission for this committee within its 60-day mandate is to propose a plan for government restructuring making it more efficient and responsive.

The chairperson stressed the need for decentralization of authority, administrative efficiency to support South Korea in becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence, and institutional reform to better address the climate crisis.

He also called for comprehensive reforms in areas such as long-term tax and fiscal policy.

While short-term priorities will be implemented swiftly, he added, long-term goals like climate action will be pursued through detailed annual plans.

The committee, effectively serving as a transitional body, was formed as President Lee assumed office without a formal transition process.

Special task forces will address balanced regional development, government restructuring, and tax reform, while seven subcommittees will oversee policy planning in areas such as the economy, social affairs, governance, and foreign affairs.

In the coming days, the committee will receive policy briefings from each ministry as the first step in assessing the current situation.

A final report summarizing the committee's work is to be published within 30 days of the end of its mandate.

The committee also plans to establish additional channels for public engagement, aiming to incorporate citizen input and broaden participation in shaping national policy.

Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.